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THE 


IRISH 

BIRTHDAY-BOOK. 


FROM  THE  SPEECHES  AND  WRITINGS  OF  IRISH 
MEN  AND  WOMEN,  BOTH  CATHOLIC 
AND  PROTESTANT. 


THE  CATHOLIC  PUBLICATION  SOCIETY  CO. 
1884. 

BOSTON  COLLEQI£  LIBRARY 
CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS, 


v/ 


ARRANGED  BY 


“ MELUSINE.”  VY 


20815 


O 


Sctftcatcti 

(without  permission  }) 

TO 


IRISH  PEOPLE  ALL  OVER  THE  WORLD. 


TO  IRELAND. 


‘ ‘ The  nations  have  fallen,  and  thou  still  art  young — 

Thy  sun  is  but  rising,  when  others  are  set ; 

And  though  slavery’s  cloud  o’er  thy  morning  hath  hung, 
The  full  moon  of  Freedom  shall  beam  round  thee  yet* 
Erin  ! O Erin  ! though  long  in  the  shade, 

Thy  star  will  shine  out  when  the  proudest  shall  fade  ! ” 

Tom  Moore* 


PREFACE. 


In  this  Irish  Birthday-Book  there  is  no  prose 
in  May  or  June,  because  they  are  the  months  in 
which,  with  fresh  leaves,  pure  bright  flowers  and 
sunnier  skies,  all  Nature  seems  to  breathe  poetry. 

It  may  interest  the  readers  of  this  little  book  to 
know  that  the  cover  is  made  of  Irish  linen. 

The  design  in  gold  is  intended  to  symbolize  the 
Memory  of  the  Past — Faith  for  the  Present — Hope 
in  the  Future. 

The  ancient  Irish  were  Fire-worshippers  (like 
some  of  their  ancestors,  the  Persians),  and  ‘‘  the 
Sunburst  was  the  fanciful  name  given  by  them  to 
the  Royal  banner.  Thomas  Davis  alludes  to  this 
when  he  says  of  King  Dahi,— 

On  the  rich  deck  he  lies, 

O’er  him  his  sunburst  flies.'’ 

Waterford  was  called  the  Harbour  of  the  Sun — 
“ Cuan-na-grioth.” 

The  rays  of  sunlight  from  the  Cross  are  an 
adaptation  of  the  old  sunburst,  so  as  to  bring  it 


VI 


Preface. 


into  harmony  with  Present,  Future,  and  Christian 
Past. 

Surely  these  wise  and  tender  thoughts  of  great 
and  good  Irish  people  ought  to  inspire  us,  and 
help  us,  while  we  rejoice  that  we  can  claim  Erin 
as  our  own,  to  love  her  more  deeply,  and  strive 
more  earnestly  for  the  honour  and  advancement  of 
her  cause. 

That  all  true  children  of  our  dear  Irish  mother- 
land who  read  these  pages  may  heartily  bless  the 
day  when  first  they  entered  upon  their  National 
Inheritance,  and  never  be  found  unworthy  of  this 
privilege  of  Irish  Birth,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of 

MELUSINE. 

27,  1883. 


THE  NEW  YEAR. 


'*  Who,  that  surveys  this  span  of  earth  we  press, 

This  speck  of  life  in  time’s  great  wilderness, 

This  narrow  isthmus  ’twixt  two  boundless  seas, 

The  past,  the  future,  two  eternities  ! — 

Would  sully  the  bright  spot  or  leave  it  bare, 

When  he  might  build  him  a proud  temple  there, 

A name,  that  long  shall  hallow  all  its  space, 

And  be  each  purer  soul’s  high  resting-place  ! ’’ 

Thomas  Moore. 


JANUARY. 


“Not  always  the  winter  ! not  always  the  wail  ! 

The  heart  heals  perforce  where  the  spirit  is  pure  ! 

The  apple-tree  blooms  in  the  glens  of  Imayle  ; 

The  blackbird  sings  loud  by  the  Slane  and  the  Suir  ! 

Not  always  the  winter  ! not  always  the  moan  ! 

Our  fathers,  they  tell  us,  in  old  time  were  free  : 

Free  to-day  is  the  stag  in  the  woods  of  Idrone, 

And  the  eagle  that  fleets  from  Loch  Lein  o’er  the  Lee  ! 

The  blue-bells  rise  up  where  the  young  May  hath  trod  ; 

The  souls  of  our  martyrs  are  reigning  with  God  ! 

Sad  mother,  forgive  us  ! yon  skylark  no  choice 
Permits  us.  From  heaven  he  is  crying,  ‘ Rejoice  ! * ” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


B 


2 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


SJanuarg  i 

“The  Patriot,  when  he  battles  for  his  country  in  the 
senate  or  the  field,  thinks  but  of  one  object — the  freedom 
and  the  glory  of  his  fatherland ; but  He  who  inspired  him 
with  that  lofty  love  had  higher  interests  still  in  view,  even 
the  interests  of  the  entire  earth,  and  of  generations  yet 
unborn.” — John  Blake  Dillon. 

“Too  long  we  fought  for  Britain’s  cause, 

And  of  our  blood  were  never  chary  ; 

She  paid  us  back  with  tyrant  laws. 

And  thinn’d  the  homes  of  Tipperary.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


S'anuarp  2 

“I  value  that  Parliamentary  constitution  by  the  average 
of  its  benefits,  and  I affirm  that  the  blessings  procured  by  the 
Irish  Parliament  in  the  last  twenty  years  are  greater  than 
the  blessings  afforded  by  British  Parliaments  to  Ireland  for 
the  last  century ; greater  even  than  the  mischiefs  inflicted 
on  Ireland  by  British  Parliaments ; greater  than  all  the 
blessings  procured  by  these  Parliaments  for  their  own 
country  within  that  period.” — Henry  Grattan,  in  1800. 

“At  whose  musical  voice. 

Come  the  seals  from  the  deep, 

The  stag  from  the  mist-crag. 

The  thrush  from  the  tree.  ” 

Very  old  Irish  air^  “Bridget  O’Halloran.” 


S’anuarp  3 

“ He  that  would  make  a real  progress  in  knowledge  must 
dedicate  his  age  as  well  as  youth,  the  later  growth  as  well  as 
first-fruits,  at  the  altar  of  Truth.”— Bishop  Berkeley. 

“No  whining  tone  of  mere  regret. 

Young  Irish  bards,  for  you  ; 

But  let  your  songs  teach  Ireland  yet 
What  Irishmen  should  do  ! ” 

D.  F.  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


3 


Sfanuarp  i 

Edmund  Burke  born,  1730. 


f anuarp  2 


Sanuarp  3 


4 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


S^anuarp  4 

‘‘  There  exists  a large  class  of  men  who  would  have  us 
believe  that  the  days  of  great  universities  are  gone  by.  . . . 
In  such  a theory  I am  a confirmed  unbeliever ; the  living 
voice  of  a great  Teacher  possesses  to-day  in  my  mind  the 
same  mighty  influence  that  it  wielded  in  the  days  of  Socrates, 
of  Abelard,  and  of  Albertus  Magnus.*’ — ^John  Dillon. 

“ I saw  him  next  amid  the  best  and  noblest  of  our  isle — 

There  was  the  same  majestic  form,  the  same  heart -kindling 
smile  ; 

But  grief  was  on  that  princely  brow — for  others  still  he 
mourn’d — 

He  gazed  upon  poor  fetter’d  slaves,  and  his  heart  within 
him  burn’d.” — The  Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 

(Duffy  and  Sons,  Publishers.) 


3!anuarp  5 

‘*A  better  woman  never  looked  with  a tearful  eye  or  a 
batin’  heart  along  the  waters — like  all  tender  people,  the 
throuble  is  seldom  altogether  away  from  her ; the  could  only 
look  to  themselves,  the  kmd  have  a pulse  for  all  the  world.” 

Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall. 

‘‘  Still  in  your  heart’s  dear  record 
Cherish  the  keen  regret  that  lifts  his  fame  ; 

To  you  it  is  bequeath’d — assert  the  trust. 

And  to  his  worth  ’tis  all  you  can — be  just.’^ 

Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan. 


January  6 

‘‘For  the  next  two  weeks,  awaiting  the  result  of  this  trial, 
all  things  stood  still  in  Ireland,  except  the  famine,  and  the 
‘ addresses  of  confidence  ’ from  landlords,  and  the  typhus 
fever,  and  the  clearing  of  estates,  and’  the  wail  of  the 
Banshee!” — John  Mitchel. 

“ What  matter  that  at  different  shrines 
We  pray  unto  one  God, — 

What  matter  that  at  different  times 
Our  fathers  won  this  sod, — 

In  fortune  and  in  name  we’re  bound 
By  stronger  links  than  steel  j 
And  neither  can  be  safe  nor  sound. 

But  in  the  other’s  weal.” — Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


5 


%inuary  4 

Archbishop  Ussher  born,  1580. 


S^anuary  5 


3!anuary  6 


6 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


3^anuar]9  7 

“ I walked  with  him  a piece  of  the  way,  and  I thought 
all  pleasure  in  sight  left  my  eyes  when  he  waved  the  last 
wave  of  his  hat  on  the  top  of  the  hill.’* 

“ Ireland,”  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall. 

“ Oh  ! may  your  dove-like  soul  on  whitest  pinions 
Pursue  her  upward  flight  to  God’s  dominions. 

Where  saints’  and  martyrs’  hands  shall  gifts  provide  thee — 
And  oh  ! my  grief,  that  I am  not  beside  thee  !” 

“ A Munster  Keen,”  by  Edward  Walsh. 


Sanuarg  8 

“ Christ  is  risen  from  the  dead,  our  hope  ! and  our  hope 
is  to  rise  with  Him  ; translated  from  glory  to  glory,  until  we 
behold  His  face,  unshrouded  and  unveiled,  and  be  happy  for 
ever  in  the  contemplation  of  God.  This  is  our  hope  ; yours 
and  mine.” — The  Very  Rev.  Thomas  N.  Burke,  O.P.,  the 
Great  Dominican. 

“ Oh  ! brooding  Spirit  of  Wisdom  and  of  Love, 

Whose  mighty  wings  even  now  o’ershadow  me. 
Absorb  me  in  Thine  own  immensity, 

And  raise  me  far  my  finite  self  above  ! ” 

Sir  William  Rowan  Hamilton. 


f anuarp  9 

“My  country  was  my  Idol.  To  it  I sacrificed  every 
selfish,  every  endearing  sentiment ; and  for  it  I now  offer  up 
myself,  O God  ! ” — Robert  Emmet. 

“ And,  as  echo  far  off  through  the  vale  my  sad  orison  rolls, 

I think,  oh,  my  love  ! ’tis  thy  voice  from  the  kingdom  of 
souls. 

Faintly  answering  still  the  notes  that  once  were  so  dear.” 

Thomas  Moore. 

“No,  whate’er  the  fires  that  try  thee. 

In  the  same  this  heart  shall  burn.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


7 


3!anttarp  7 


5’anuar^  8 


f anuarp  9 


8 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


Slanuarp  lo 

In  fine,  I think  the  situation  of  Ireland  a paramount 
consideration.  If  they  were  to  be  the  last  words  I should 
ever  utter  in  this  house,  I should  say,  ‘ Be  just  to  Ireland,  as 
you  value  your  own  honour  ; be  just  to  Ireland,  as  you  value 
your  own  peace.’ — Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan. 

“ I bless  you  for  the  pleasant  word 

When  your  heart  was  sad  and  sore — 

Oh  ! I’m  thankful  you  are  gone,  Mary, 

Where  grief  can  t reach  you  more  ! ” 

Countess  of  Gifford. 


3Januarp  n 

“He’d  tell  sometimes  of  how  things  were  mending,  how 
there  was  much  bitterness  going  out  of  the  country ; and 
though  there  was  no  talk  of  Temperance  then,  he  saw  plain 
enough,  that  if  men  would  keep  from  whisky  they’d  forget 
to  be  angry.  And  every  minute,  even  while  I trembled  for 
the  life  of  his  body,  the  peace  and  love  that  was  in  him  made 
me  easy  as  to  the  life  of  his  soul.” 

“ Ireland,”  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall. 

“ See  you  scale  life’s  misty  highlands, 

By  this  light  of  living  truth  ! 

And  with  bosom  braced  for  labour. 

Breast  them  in  your  manly  youth ; 

So  when  age  and  care  have  found  you. 

Shall  your  downward  path  be  smooth.” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 


3^anuarp  12 

“The  evening  of  life  I choose  to  pass  in  a quiet  retreat. 
Ambitious  projects,  intrigues  and  quarrels  of  statesmen,  are 
things  I have  been  formerly  amused  with,  but  now  they 
seem  to  be  a vain,  fugitive  dream.” — Bishop  Berkeley. 

“Faint  not ! for  thee  a pitying  future  waits  ! 

Advance  ! 

Be  wise,  be  just,  with  will  as  fixed  as  Fate’s. 

Advance  ! ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


9 


fanuari)  lo 


3"anuarg  ii 


fanuarp  12 


lO 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


3!anuarp  13 

“Grattan  made  it  a rule,  as  he  said,  ‘never  to  defend 
himself  at  the  expense  of  his  country,’  and  he  displayed  the 
same  zeal  and  the  same  eloquence  as  w hen  his  popularity 
wsis  greatest.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Man  should  be  ever  better  than  he  seems, 

And  shape  his  acts,  and  discipline  his  mind 
To  walk  adorning  earth,  with  hope  of  heaven.” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 

“ For  union  and  peace  to  old  Ireland  I pray.” 

John  Keegan. 

Slanuarp  14 

“ Unfaltering  attachment  to  the  principles  of  justice,  un- 
swerving obedience  to  the  dictates  of  honour,  unalterable 
loyalty  to  rectitude  and  duty ; — these  were  the  characteristics 
that  distinguished  him  ! and  these  were  the  qualities  that 
cast  their  redeeming  light  round  his  failings  and  his  errors, 
and  wrung  from  the  bitterest  of  his  foes  the  tribute  due  to 
suffering  worth.” 

On  W.  Smith  O’Brien,  in  “ Speeches  from  the  Dock.” 
“ Stand  together,  brothers  all ! 

Stand  together,  stand  together  ! 

To  live  or  die,  to  rise  or  fall. 

Stand  together,  stand  together  ! ” 

“ Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 
(Duffy  and  Sons,  Publishers.) 

fanuarp  15 

“ If  Ireland  were  in  national  health,  her  history  would  be 
familiar  by  books,  pictures,  statuary,  and  music  to  every 
cabin  and  shop  in  the  land ; her  resources  as  an  agricultural, 
manufacturing,  and  trading  people  would  be  equally  known, 
and  every  young  man  would  be  trained,  and  every  grown 
man  able  to  defend  her  coast,  her  plains,  her  towns,  and 
her  hills — not  with  his  right  arm  merely,  but  by  his  dis- 
ciplined habits  and  military  accomplishments.” 

Thomas  Davis. 

“ And  Thou,  O mighty  Lord  ! whose  ways 

Are  far  above  our  feeble  minds  to  understand. 

Sustain  us  in  these  doleful  days, 

And  render  light  the  chain  that  binds 

Our  fallen  land  !” — J.  Clarence  Mangan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


1 1 


Slanuarg  13 


Slanuar^  14 


fanuarp  15 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


I 2 


3?anuarp  i6 

“ During  the  darkest  days  of  Spanish  persecution  in 
Holland,  some  Freedom  was  left  to  the  Corporations  of  the 
States  of  the  Netherlands.  But  I am  sorry  to  say  that  I 
recognize  to-day  a situation  in  Ireland,  and  an  action  by  the 
executive  authorities  in  this  country,  which  does  not  propose 
to  leave  even  the  members  of  this  ancient  Corporation 
(Dublin)  the  right  of  expressing  their  thoughts  and  opinions 
with  regard  to  public  policy.” 

Charles  Stewart  Parnell  (Aug.  i6,  1882). 

“ Let  Fate  do  her  worst,  there  are  relics  of  joy. 

Bright  dreams  of  the  Past,  which  she  cannot  destroy; 
Which  come  in  the  night-time  of  sorrow  and  care, 

And  bring  back  the  features  that  joy  used  to  wear.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


S^anuarp  17 

“ Come  here.  Catholic,  and  if  any  man  preach  to  you  the 
hateful  creed  of  religious  fanaticism,  bring  him  to  the  feet  of 
Grattan,  and  tell  him  wherever  else  this  hideous  spirit  of 
religious  discord  may  find  a home,  it  cannot  find  a place  in 
the  land  whose  generous  sons  have  enthroned  to-day  the  figure 
of  a Protestant  Patriot.” — A.  M.  Sullivan  (Jan.  6,  1875). 

“ So  let  it  be  ! O men  bright  soul’d  and  gifted 

With  mind  and  strength  to  lead  the  march  of  right. 
Keep  still  aloft  the  banner  you  have  lifted. 

Still  speak  the  words  that  flash  with  Freedom’s  light.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


Slanuarp  18 

“ Whole  neighbourhoods  were  often  thrown  out  upon  the 
highways  in  winter,  and  the  homeless  creatures  lived  for  a 
while  upon  the  charity  of  neighbours  ; but  this  was  dangerous, 
for  the  neighbours  were  often  themselves  ejected  for  har- 
bouring them.  The  Irish  are  peculiarly  attached  to  their 
homesteads  ; and  like  all  people  of  poetic  temperament,  sur- 
round their  homes  and  hearths  with  more  tender  associations 
than  a race  of  duller  perception  could  understand.” 

John  Mitchel. 

‘ ‘ Let  them  who  scorn’d  the  fountain  rill 
Now  dread  the  torrent’s  roar, 

And  hear  our  echoed  chorus  still. 

We’re  Paddies  evermore  !” 

“ Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


13 


fanuaru  16 


fanuaro  17 


Januarp  18 


14 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


3'anuarp  19 

‘‘In  a climate  soft  as  a mother’s  smile,  on  a soil  fruitful 
as  God’s  love,  the  Irish  peasant  mourns.” — Thomas  Davis. 

“ Heaven  ! to  think  of  the  thousands  far  better  than  I, 
Who  for  thee,  sweetest  mother,  would  joyfully  die  ! 
Then  to  reckon  the  insult — the  rapine — the  wrong  ! 
How  long,  God  of  love  ! — God  of  battles,  how  long?” 
William  Drennan. 

“For  ever  the  souls  of  thy  wanderers  crave 
To  return  to  the  land  they  love  best. 

That  their  wings  may  be  folded  at  last  in  the  grave. 

In  their  own  blessed  isle  in  the  West.” 

Ellen  Forrester. 


Slanuarp  20 

“ Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  abstract  merits  of  the 
arrangement,  the  Union  (of  England  and  Ireland),  as  it  was 
carried,  was  a crime  of  the  deepest  turpitude.” 

W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Our  fatherland  requires  our  cares. 

Our  work  with  man,  with  God  our  prayers  ; 

Spurn  blood-stain’d  Judas-gold  for  it. 

Let  us  do  all  that  honour  dares. 

Be  earnest,  faithful,  bold  for  it.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


3!anuare  21 

“ Oh  ! what  lessons  of  loving-kindness  are  to  be  learned 
in  Irish  cottages — hospitality  without  display,  and  that  true 
generosity  which  takes  from  its  own  necessities  to  relieve 
the  necessities  of  others.” — Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall. 

“ Still  hold  to  truth,  abound  in  love. 

Refusing  every  base  compliance — 

Your  praise  within,  your  prize  above. 

And  live  and  die  in  self-reliance.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


15 


S^anuarp  19 


3fanuarp  20 


'Januaro  21 


i6 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


3!anuarp  22 

“ It  is  true,  as  I declare  that  I desire  the  restoration  of 
our  Irish  Parliament,  I would  sacrifice  my  existence  to  restore 
to  Ireland  her  independent  Legislature  ; but  I do  not  desire 
to  restore  precisely  such  a Parliament  as  she  had  before/’ 
O’Connell  on  “ Repeal  of  the  Union.” 

“ Yours  was  the  good  brave  heart 
That  still  kept  hoping  on. 

When  the  trust  in  God  had  left  my  soul. 

And  my  arm’s  young  strength  was  gone.” 

Lament  of  the  Irish  Emigrant.” 


S’anuari)  23 

To  those  who,  from  superior  energy  and  ability,  can 
teach  the  people,  we  now  address  ourselves.” 

Thomas  Davis  on  “ Education.” 

“ With  that  pleasant  smile  thou  wearest. 

Thou  art  gazing  on  the  fairest 

Wonders  of  the  earth  and  sea  : 

Do  thou  not,  in  all  thy  seeing, 

Lose  the  memory  of  one  being 

Who  at  home  doth  think  of  thee.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


3!anuarB  24 

He  loved  his  country  ; he  saw  it  in  danger,  and  passion 
touched  his  heart,  and  its  fountains  opened,  and  the  sacred 
stream  gushed  forth  unsolicited  and  free.” 

John  Blake  Dillon. 

“ She’s  not  a dull  or  cold  land  ; 

No  ! she’s  a warm  and  bold  land  ; 

Oh  ! she’s  a true  and  old  land — 

This  native  land  of  mine.  ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


17 


Sanuarp  22 


Slanuarp  23 


3"anuarp  24 


t8 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


S^anuarp  25 

‘ It’s  soon  ended  now/  she  said,  ^ and  not  much  to  tell ; 
but  the  poor  have  more  trials  than  the  mere  want  of  food  ; 
and  I’ve  often  thought  that  when  the  rich  and  the  stranger 
laugh  at  their  rags,  or  turn  from  them  in  disgust,  they  don’t 
think  that,  maybe,  the  heart  beating  under  them  has  a dale  of 
feeling.’” — Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall. 

“Too  long  with  rash  and  single  arm 

The  peasant  strove  to  guard  his  eyrie, 

Till  Irish  blood  bedew’d  each  farm. 

And  Ireland  wept  for  Tipperary.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


S^anuart)  26 

“ We  should  have  heard  few  eulogies  of  the  honourable 
character  of  the  Irish  policy  of  Pitt,  if  English  writers  were 
not  accustomed  to  judge  Irish  politics  by  a standard  of 
honour  very  different  from  that  which  they  would  apply  to 
English  ones.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Our  Parliament  did  sit 

Then  in  our  native  land. 

What  good  came  of  the  loss  of  it 
I cannot  understand  ; 

Although  full  plain  I see, 

That  changes  not  a few 
Have  fallen  on  the  country 
Since  this  old  cap  was  new.” 

Sir  S.  Fergusson. 


3!anuary  27 

‘‘  Man  is  a compound  of  contrarieties,  which  breed  a rest- 
less struggle  in  his  nature,  between  flesh  and  spirit,  the  beast 
and  the  angel,  earth  and  heaven,  ever  weighed  down  and 
ever  bearing  up. — Bishop  Berkeley. 

‘ ‘ And  thus  you’ll  find  the  sternest  soul 
The  deepest  tenderness  concealing, 

And  minds  that  seem  to  mock  control, 

Are  order’d  by  some  fairy  feeling.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


19 


fanuarp  25 

Hon.  Robert  Boyle  born,  1627. 


fanuarp  26 


3!anuarp  27 


20 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


f anuarn  28 

“ Loyalty  distinct  from  liberty  is  corruption,  not  loyalty.” 

Henry  Grattan. 

“ Send  me  hence  ten  thousand  miles 
From  a face  that  always  smiles  ; 

None  could  ever  act  that  part, 

But  had  a Fury  in  her  heart. 

Dean  Swift. 


5anuart)  29 

“No;  I do  not  despair  of  my  poor  old  country — her 
peace,  her  liberty,  her  glory.  For  that  country  I can  do  no 
more  than  bid  her  hope.  To  lift  this  island  up — to  make 
her  a benefactor  to  humanity,  instead  of  being,  as  she  is 
now,  the  meanest  beggar  in  the  world — to  restore  to  her  her 
native  powers  and  her  ancient  constitution,  — this  has  been  my 
ambition,  and  this  ambition  has  been  my  crime.” 

“ Speeches  from  the  Dock,”  T.  F.  Meagher. 

“ On  our  side  is  virtue  and  Erin  ! 

On  theirs  is  the  Saxon  and  guilt.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


3?anuarp  30 

“The  constant  language  of  English  ministers  and  mem- 
bers of  Parliament  created  the  impression  abroad  that  Ireland 
was  in  need  of  alms,  and  nothing  but  alms,  whereas  Irishmen 
themselves  uniformly  protested  that  what  they  required  was 
Repeal  of  the  Union,  so  that  the  English  might  cease  to 
devour  their  substance.” — ^John  Mitchel. 

“I’m  very  lonely  now,  Mary, 

For  the  poor  make  no  new  friends  ; 

But  oh  ! they  love  the  better  still 
The  few  our  Father  sends  !” 

“Lament  of  the  Irish  Emigrant.” 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


21 


3"anuari)  28 


3^anuar^  29 


3^anuaru  30 


22 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


Slanuarp  31 

“ Let  us  do  no  injury  to  any  one.  ...  I have  no  doubt 
but  bright  days  are  about  to  dawn  upon  our  country. 
Persevere,  then  ; see  what  your  rights  are.  Assert  them  in 
open  day.  Tell  the  Government  what  you  want,  and  say 
you  will  never  cease  till  you  get  it.  I am  proud  of  Tipperary, 
but  I am  especially  proud  of  Tipperary^s  imprisoned  member, 
John  Dillon.’^ 

His  Grace  the  Archbishop  of  Cashel 
(May  16,  1881). 

‘ ‘ Knowledge  will  lead  you  to  the  dazzling  heights  ; 

Tolei'ance  will  teach  and  guard  your  brothers’  rights.” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


23 


fanuare  31 


FEBRUARY, 


THE  MONTH  OF  THE  IRISH  VOLUNTEERS. 

“ The  church  of  Dungannon  is  empty  once  more — 

No  plumes  on  the  altar,  no  clash  on  the  floor. 

But  the  councils  of  England  are  flutter’d  to  see. 

In  the  cause  of  their  country,  the  Irish  agree  ; 

So  they  give  as  a boon  what  they  dare  not  withhold. 

And  Ireland,  a nation,  leaps  up  as  of  old. 

With  a name,  and  a trade,  and  a flag  of  her  own. 

And  an  army  to  fight  for  the  people  and  throne. 

But  woe  worth  the  day  if  to  falsehood  or  fears 
She  surrender  the  guns  of  her  brave  Volunteers  !” 

Thomas  Davis. 


26 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


JFebruarg  i 

If  I meet  a scoundrel  in  the  street,  and  raise  my  hat  to 
him,  and  thus  show  him  a mark  of  respect,  I add  a mite  to 
the  sum  total  of  scoundrelism  which  exists  in  every  country, 
and  which,  when  it  too  greatly  preponderates  over  the  good 
therein  existing,  drags  down  that  country  to  i*uin.’^ 

John  Dillon. 

‘ ‘ I know  this  span  of  life  was  lent 
For  lofty  duties,  not  for  selfishness — 

Not  to  be  wiled  away  in  aimless  dreams.’^ 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


jpebruarp  2 

‘ ‘ There  is  in  the  Irish  nature  a wonderful  spring  and  an 
intense  vitality.” — ^John  Mitchel. 

“ I said,  ‘ To  other  lands  I’d  roam. 

Where  fate  may  smile  on  me,  love 
I said,  ‘ Farewell  to  my  old  home  ! ’ 

And  I said,  ‘ Farewell  to  thee,  love  ! ’ 

Gille  machree^ 

Sit  down  by  me  ; 

We  now  are  join’d,  and  ne’er  shall  sever  ; 

This  hearth’s  our  own, 

Our  hearts  are  one. 

And  peace  is  ours  for  ever  !” 

Gerald  Griffin. 


jFtbruarp  3 

“ The  exiled  ones  of  our  race  ! The  first  sentiment  that 
warms  their  hearts  and  rises  to  their  lips  is  that  of  Ireland  a 
Nation  ! The  cause  of  our  national  independence  is  a grand 
and  ancient  cause — genius  has  glorified  it,  sacrifice  has  per- 
petuated it,  death  has  sanctified  it.” — Thomas  Sexton. 

“ Her  beautiful  voice  more  hearts  hath  won 
Than  Orpheus’  lyre  of  old  had  done  ; 

Her  ripe  eyes  of  blue  were  crystals  of  dew, 

\ On  the  grass  of  the  lawn  before  the  sun,  — 

And,  pulse  of  my  heart ! what  gloom  is  thine  ? ” 
Edward  Walsh. 


boston  CGLLBSS 

CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASH 
The  Irish  Birthday-Book,  27 

jFcbruarp  i 


JcIiruarB  2 


jFcbruart)  3 


28 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


JFcbruarp  4 

“ Such  is  the  rapid  outline  of  a code  of  laws  which  reflects 
indelible  disgrace  upon  the  English  character,  and  explains 
but  too  clearly  the  cause  of  that  hatred  in  which  the  English 
name  has  been  so  long  held  in  Ireland.” 

“ History  of  the  Penal  Laws,”  written  by 
Henry  Parnell  in  1808. 

‘ ‘ Then  daintily  the  strong,  bright  boy  he  led 
Across  the  banquet-hall,  and  placed  him  there 
Beside  his  mother’s  knee.” — Deirdr^:. 


jFebruarp  5 

“ In  that  day  it  will  be  remembered  for  me,  though  a 
prison  awaits  me  now,  that  I was  one  of  those  journalists  of 
the  people  who,  through  constant  sacrifice  and  self-immola- 
tion, fought  the  battle  of  the  people,  and  won  every  vestige 
of  liberty  remaining  in  the  land  ! ” 

A.  M.  Sullivan,  State  Trials,  1868. 

“And  they,  the  poor  exiles,  across  the  deep  sea. 

Their  loving  hearts  always  turn  fondly  to  thee  ; 

Far,  far  tho’  their  wandering  footsteps  may  roam, 

Their  hearts,  dear  old  Erin  ! their  hearts  are  at  home.” 
Arthur  M.  Forrester. 


JFebruarp  6 

“ Few  facts  in  Irish  history  are  more  certain  than  that  the 
Irish  Parliament  would  have  carried  emancipation  if  Lord 
FitzWilliam  had  remained  in  power,  and  that  the  recall  of 
that  nobleman  was  one  of  the  chief  causes  of  the  rebellion  of 
1798.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Hapless  nation  ! rent  and  torn. 

Thou  wert  early  taught  to  mourn  ; 

Warfare  of  six  hundred  years — 

Epochs  marked  with  blood  and  tears.” 

Dr.  Drennan. 


The  Irish  Birthdav-Book. 


29 


JebruarB  4 


jPebruarp  5 


jPebruarp  6 


30 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


jFebruare  7 

“A  cause  with  such  a record  cannot  fail ; the  best  faculties 
of  our  race  have  been  expended  in  its  service,  the  best  blood 
of  our  people  has  been  shed  in  its  behalf ; men  have  served 
that  cause  who  have  made  the  prison  cell  a shrine  of  fame, 
and  the  scaffold  a place  of  honour.” — Thomas  Sexton. 

‘‘  What  need  I sigh  for  pleasure  gone, 

The  twilight  eve,  the  rosy  dawn 
My  heart  is  changed  as  much  as  they — 

’Tis  winter  all  when  thou’rt  away  !” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


JFcbruarB  8 

“ There  is  also  a constant  tendency — especially  among 
intellectual  people — to  underrate  those  whose  genius  is  em- 
ployed chiefly  in  action,  especially  when  the  lower  orders 
are  subjects  of  that  action.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Ah  ! if  their  hearts  were  callous,  and  if  their  souls  were 
mean, 

If  selfish  thoughts  could  sway  them,  not  such  their  fate 
had  been  ; 

They  felt  their  country’s  sorrow,  and  dream’d  that  dream 
of  light, 

To  change  her  grief  to  gladness,  her  gloom  to  glory  bright.” 
“ The  Captives,”  by  T.  D.  Sullivan. 


jPcbiuars  9 

“ Happiest  is  he  who  judges  and  knows  books,  and  nature, 
and  men  (himself  included)  spontaneously  or  from  early 
training  ; whose  feelings  are  assessors  with  his  intellect,  and 
who  is  thoroughly  in  earnest.” — Thomas  Davis. 

“Who,  in  the  winter  night,  soggarth  aroon, 

When  the  cold  blast  did  bite,  soggarlh  aroon, 

Came  to  my  cabin  door, 

And,  on  my  earthen  flure. 

Knelt  by  me,  sick  and  poor, 

Soggarth  aroon  ? ” — John  Banim. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


31 


jpcliruar^  7 


JFfbruarp  8 


jpebruari)  9 


32 


2 HE  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


jpcbruarp  lo 

‘‘  The  English  people  possess  many  inestimable  blessings 
of  freedom  ; they  have  the  reality  of  a free  constitution,  the 
envy  of  the  world.  Its  miserable  parody  is  sometimes  seen 
on  the  Irish  shore.” — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ So,  as  I grew  from  boy  to  man, 

I bent  me  to  that  bidding — 

My  spirit  of  each  selfish  plan 
And  cruel  passion  ridding ; 

For  thus  I hoped  some  day  to  aid — 

Oh  ! can  such  hope  be  vain  ? — 

When  my  dear  country  shall  be  made 

A Nation  once  again."’ — Thomas  Davis. 


Jpetruari)  ii 

I will  not  believe  that  Irishmen  are  so  degraded  and 
utterly  lost  as  this.  The  earth  is  awakening  from  sleep  ; a 
flash  of  electric  fire  is  passing  through  the  dumb  millions. 
Democracy  is  girding  himself  once  more  like  a strong  man  to 
run  a race  ; and  slumbering  nations  are  arising  in  their  might, 
and  ‘shaking  their  invincible  locks."  Oh  ! my  countrymen, 
look  up  ! look  up  !” — ^John  Mitchel. 

“ I soon  shall  be  gone,  though  my  name  may  be  spoken — 
When  Erin  awakes  and  her  fetters  are  broken.” 

J.  J.  Callanan. 


jpcbruarg  12 

“ Thus  philosophy  is  weak  ; but  religion  comforts  in  a 
higher  strain.  Man  is  here,  it  tells  us,  fitting  up  his  mind, 
and  preparing  it  for  another  abode.  When  the  good  man 
leaves  the  body,  and  is  all  a glorious  mind,  he  will  find  he 
has  been  making  himself  a heaven  of  happiness  here.  To 
Religion  we  must  hold  in  every  circumstance  of  life  for  our 
truest  comfort."" — Oliver  Goldsmith. 

“ Bright  blue  eyes  ! bright  blue  eyes  ! 

Closed  in  death,  no  more  to  glow ; 

Bright  blue  eyes  I so  much  prized 
In  happy  hours  long  ago  ! 


R.  N.  S.  Delvin, 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


33 


jF^bruare  lo 


jpebruarp  ii 


jF^bruar^  12 


D 


34 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


jPebruar^  13 

“ Henry  Grattan  was  twenty-nine  years  of  age  when  he 
entered  on  politics^  and  in  seven  years  he  was  the  triumphant 
leader  of  a people  free  and  victorious  after  hereditary 
bondage.” — Thomas  Davis. 

I’ll  not  reveal  my  true-love’s  name  ; 

Betimes  ’twill  swell  the  voice  of  fame — 

But  oh  ! may  Heaven,  my  grief  to  quell, 

Restore  the  hero  safe  and  well  ! 

My  hero  brave,  ma  ghile,  m’fhear  ; 

My  kindred  love,  ma  ghile,  m’fhear  ; 

What  wringing  woes  my  bosom  knows. 

Since  cross’d  the  seas  ma  ghile,  m’fhear.” 

Edward  Walsh. 


jpcbruarp  14 

And  thoughts  whose  source  is  hidden  and  high. 

Like  streams  that  come  from  heavenward  hills. 

Shall  keep  our  hearts — like  meads,  that  lie 
To  be  bathed  by  those  eternal  rills — 

Ever  green,  if  thou  wilt  be  mine,  love  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 

‘^And,  maiden  ! start  not  from  the  brow 

That  thought  has  knit,  and  passion  darken’d, 

In  twilight  hours,  ’neath  forest  bough ; 

The  tenderest  tales  are  often  hearken’d.” 

Thomas  Davis. 

“ Remember  thee?  Yes  ; while  there’s  life  in  this  heart  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


JFcbruaii)  15 

“On  the  15th  of  February,  1782,  the  delegates  met  at 
Dungannon.  There  is  no  similar  assembly  recorded  in 
history,  whether  we  consider  the  importance  of  the  subject 
of  their  deliberations,  the  power  they  possessed,  or  the 
moderation  with  which  they  used  it.” — Thomas  MacNevin. 

“ The  chain  is  broke — the  Saxon  yoke 
From  off  our  neck  is  taken  ; 

Ireland  awoke — Dungannon  spoke — 

With  fear  was  England  shaken.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


35 


jFcbruarp  13 


JF^bruarp  14 
Valentine’s  Day. 


Jpebruare  15 

The  Volunteers  at  Dungannon,  1782. 


D 2 


3^ 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


JFcbruarp  i6 

“ In  the  past  century,  and  prolonged  into  the  present,  the 
title  was  well  recognized  of  the  ‘English  interest,’  and  that 
is — if  not  as  strong  -as  determined  to-day  as  when  Swift  and 
Berkeley  denounced  it  one  hundred  years  ago  ! ” 

John  Dillon  (August  i6,  1882). 

“ We  must  not  fail,  we  must  not  fail, 

However  fraud  or  force  assail  ; 

By  honour,  pride,  and  policy. 

By  Heaven  itself ! — we  must  be  free  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


jpehruarp  17 

“England  maintains  in  Ireland  a very  large  garrison; 
some  are  uniformed  as  policemen,  some  as  soldiers,  some  as 
militia,  and  some  wear  the  ermine  ! ” — T.  M.  Healy. 

“Irishmen  ! Irishmen  ! think  what  is  Liberty, 

Fountain  of  all  that  is  valued  and  dear, 

Peace  and  security,  knowledge  and  purity, 

Hope  for  hereafter  and  happiness  here. 

“ Irishmen  ! if  we  be  true  to  our  promises. 

Nerving  our  souls  for  more  fortunate  hours. 

Life’s  choicest  blessings,  love’s  fond  caressings. 

Peace,  home,  and  happiness,  all  shall  be  ours.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


jFtbruari)  18 

“This  chieftain  of  the  Celtic  race  (O’Connell),  though 
endeared  to  his  own  co-religionists  and  devoted  to  the  altar 
of  his  own  faith,  was  yet  a splendid  example  of  all-reaching 
tolerance,  for  in  his  great  Irish  heart  there  was  room  for 
every  man  of  Irish  mould — Catholic,  Protestant,  and  Dis- 
senter.”—A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ ‘ My  soul  !’  he  cried,  ‘ disowns 
The  barren  doctrine  that  would  dry 
The  springs  of  kindly  charity, 

That  hopeth  all  things,  in  the  breast.’  ” 

“ Destiny,”  by  M.  J.  Serrano. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


37 


JFcbruarg  i6 


jPebruare  17 


JFcbruar^  18 


38 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


JFebruar^  19 

“ Of  Edmund  Burke  it  may  be  truly  said  that  there  is 
scarcely  any  serious  political  thinker  in  England  who  has 
not  learnt  much  from  his  writings,  and  whom  he  has  not 
profoundly  influenced  either  in  the  way  of  attraction  or  in 
the  way  of  repulsion/’ — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

In  your  sweet  bosom  bright 
Shines  the  pure  sunny  light, 

As  on  your  smooth  brow,  graceful  ever  ! 

And  oh  ! could  I say 
You’re  my  own — from  this  day. 

Death’s  contest  should  frighten  me  never.” 

A County  of  Clare  Peasant  Song, 


jpehruari?  20 

‘ ‘ When  I return  to  my  native  land,  I come  back  from 
a country  that  is  free  to  a country  which  is  enslaved  ; I come 
back  from  a country  that  is  prosperous  to  a country  that  is 
poor ; I come  back  from  a country  which  is  contented  to  a 
country  that  lies  tossing  on  a bed  of  pain.  ” 

T.  P.  O’Connor. 

“ Let  no  desire  of  ease,  no  lack  of  courage,  faith,  or  love 
delay 

Mine  own  steps  on  that  high  thought-paven  way 

In  which  my  soul  her  clear  commission  sees  ; 

Yet  with  an  equal  joy  let  me  behold 

Thy  chariot  o’er  that  way  by  others  roll’d.” 

Sir  ^Tlliam  Row^an  Hamilton. 


jptbruarg  21 

“The  Irish  people  have  a past  to  boast  of,  and  a future  to 
create.” — ^Joseph  F.  O’Carroll. 

“ Guard  her  comfort  as  ’tis  worth. 

Pray  to  God  to  look  down  on  her. 

And  swift  as  cannon  shot  go  forth 
To  strive  for  Freedom,  Truth,  and  Honour. 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


39 


jPebruare  19 


JFebructr^  20 


JF^bruaru  21 


40 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


JFebruart)  22 

‘‘Let  us  remember  that  very  much  depends  upon  our 
action  for  the  future.  If  we  will  reap  the  results  of  what  we 
have  gained,  we  must  recollect  how  we  have  gained  ! That 
it  is  by  the  determination  and  the  spirit  of  self-sacrifice  of 
our  people  that  we  are  as  we  are  to-day.*' 

Charles  Stewart  Parnell. 

“ Alanna  ! alanna  ! the  shadow  of  shame, 

Has  never  yet  fallen  on  one  of  your  name  ; 

And  oh  ! may  the  food  from  my  bosom  you  drew, 

In  your  veins  turn  to  poison,  if  you  turn  untrue." 

A Ballad  called  “ The  Patriot  Mother.” 


jpehruarn  23 

“ Warm  will  be  the  welcome  which  the  country  will  have 
for  John  Dillon,  whose  dauntless  spirit  has  never  quailed 
before  those  long  and  cmel  imprisonments,  which  have  told 
heavily  on  the  frail  frame,  but  not  on  the  fiery  soul  within." 

“ Freeman's  Journal." 

“ But,  hark  ! some  voice  like  thunder  spake  : 

‘ The  Wesfs  awake^  the  Wesfs  awake  ! ’ 

Sing  oh  ! hurra  ! Let  England  quake. 

We'll  watch  till  death  for  Erin’s  sake." 

Thomas  Davis. 


jpebruarp  24 

“ If  you  felt  the  deepest  and  the  keenest  interest  in  our 
country,  it  was  because  you  saw  we  were  the  most  afflicted 
and  the  most  cruelly  and  sorely  tried  nation  in  the  world." 
The  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Nulty  to  Joseph  Cowen. 

“ The  land  that  I fly  from  is  fertile  and  fair, 

And  more  than  I ask  for  or  wish  for  is  there,  — 

But  I must  not  taste  the  good  things  I see. 

There’s  nothing  but  rags  and  green  rushes  for  me.” 

John  Keegan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


41 


JFeliruars  22 


jFefiruar^  23 


JFctiruart)  24 


42 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


jpebruare  25 

“In  every  eye  I see  the  soul  of  a new  spirit — not  mere 
Land  Leagueism,  not  merely  selfish  interests,  but  the  grand 
ideal  possessing  your  souls,  that  you  will  not  be  content  as 
slaves,  but  that  you  are  determmed  to  make  your  country  a 
Nation  amongst  the  nations  of  the  earth.” 

Rev.  M.  Sheehy. 

“ Oh,  dear  ones,  faithful  to  the  last  I live, 

Now  to  the  gods  my  guaranty  I give, 

And  be  ye  strong  and  valiant,  for  no  more 
Can  Ilian  shield  you.” — Deirdr£. 


jFthruarp  26 

“In  Cork  we  have  a bridge  which  bears  the  name  of 
Parnell ! Mr.  Parnell  is  building  up  another  bridge  of 
Patriotism  upon  which  every  Irishman  of  whatever  creed 
can  walk  in  peace  and  amity.” 

Charles  Dawson,  Lord  Mayor  of  Dublin. 

“Yes,  we  shall  see  this  land  of  ours 
What  it  was  meant  to  be. 

With  all  its  honours,  rights  and  powers, 

A Nation  proud  and  free  ; 

Its  woes  shall  cease,  its  joys  increase, 

Its  fame  shine  forth  anew, — 

But  Englishman,  we  say  again. 

No  thanks  for  that  to  you  !” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


jpcbruarp  27 

“ Mr.  Parnell  has  all  the  qualifications  of  leadership  in  an 
Irish  movement,  and  I am  content  with  being  a freelance  in 
Ireland’s  cause.” — Michael  Davitt. 

‘ ‘ The  Patrick  discoursed  of  the  things  to  be 
When  time  gives  way  to  Eternity, 

Of  kingdoms  that  cease,  which  are  dreams  not  things. 

And  the  Kingdom  built  by  the  King  of  kings.” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


43 


JFcbruari)  25 


Jrfftruarn  26 


jFcbruinj  27 


44 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


JF^fcruarp  28 

“ The  country  is  at  the  present  moment  passing  through  a 
severe  and  trying  crisis,  and  all  the  power,  all  the  interest, 
all  the  courage,  and  all  the  good  sense  of  the  leaders  of  the 
agitation  is  required  to  lead  her  in  safety  on  ! 

T.  P.  O’Connor. 

“ Who  in  Erin’s  cause  would  stand 
Brother  of  the  avenging  band. 

He  must  wed  immortal  quarrel. 

Pain,  and  sweat,  and  bloody  peril.  ” 

Sir  Samuel  Fergusson. 


jptbruarp  29 

‘‘  We  confidently  appeal  to  the  Irish  tenant  farmers  not  to 
be  selfish,  not  to  think  only  of  themselves,  but  to  remember 
that  Michael  Davitt  appealed  to  them  on  the  plains  of  Mayo 
just  two  years  ago,  and  put  upon  their  shoulders  the  burden 
of  recovering  for  Ireland  her  rights  of  Nationhood.’^ 

Charles  Stewart  Parnell. 

“ There  shall  no  vain  pretender  be. 

To  court  thy  smile  and  torture  me  ; 

No  proud  superior  there  be  seen, 

But  Nature’s  voice  shall  hail  thee.  Queen,” 

Richard  B.  Sheridan, 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


45 


jpeiiruar^  28 
Whitley  Stokes  born. 


Jcbruarp  29 


MARCH 


A youthful  giant  March  is, 

A giddy  boy  and  gay, 

As,  striding  through  the  forest. 

He  shakes  the  trees  in  play. 

He  sweeps  around  the  hill-top. 

And  scuds  across  the  moor. 

And  whirling  round  the  corner, 

He  whistles  at  the  door. 

Rattling  at  the  window,  whistling  at  the  door. 

Oh  ! the  merry,  merry  March  wind 
Is  whistling  at  the  door.” 

Ellen  Forrester. 


48 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i^larcl)  I 

“ Irish  hearts  are  as  open  to  friendship  as  they  are  steeled 
against  intimidation  or  menace.” 

Arthur  O'Connor,  in  1804. 

‘ ‘ I glean’d  the  grey  legend  that  long  had  been  sleeping 
Where  oblivion’s  dull  mist  o’er  its  beauty  was  creeping, 
From  the  love  which  I felt  for  my  country’s  sad  story, 
When  to  love  her  was  shame,  to  revile  her  was  glory.” 

J.  J.  Callanan. 


i^lard)  2 

‘‘  One  of  the  great  questions  is  how  to  find  an  outlet  for 
Irish  manufactures.  We  ought  to  be  an  exporting  nation, 
or  we  never  will  be  able  to  compete  successfully  with  our 
trade  rivals.” — E.  D.  Gray. 

And,  undismay’d,  you  sons  of  trade  might  see  the  battle’s 
front. 

Who  bravely  bore,  nor  bow’d  before,  the  deadlier  face  of 
want.” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 


jWarc^  3 

‘ ‘ The  old  love  of  learning,  which  the  awful  incubus  of  the 
Penal  Laws  had  so  long  repressed,  burst  forth  fresh  as  ever.” 

Joseph  F.  O’Carroll. 

History’s  lessons,  if  thou’lt  read  ’em. 

All  proclaim  this  truth  to  thee  : 

Knowledge  is  the  price  of  Freedom, — 

Know  thyself,  and  thou  art  free.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


49 


J^larc^  I 

Margaret  Stokes  born. 


J^lard)  2 


iiAarcI)  3 


so 


The  Irish  Birthdav-Book, 


i^arc?)  4 

The  passionate  aspiration  for  Irish  nationhood  will  out- 
live the  British  Empire.*’ — ^JOHN  Mitchel. 

“ She  is  far  from  the  land  where  her  young  hero  sleeps, 
And  lovers  around  her  are  sighing  ; 

But  coldly  she  turns  from  their  gaze  and  weeps, 

For  her  heart  in  his  grave  is  lying  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 

“ But  nations  keep  a stern  account 
Of  deeds  that  tyrants  do  ; 

And  guiltless  blood  to  Heaven  will  mount, 

And  Heaven  avenge  it,  too  !** — M.  J.  Barry. 


itlarcl)  s 

‘‘  The  prisoners  have  been  provided  for.  We  have  been 
generously  fed  while  in  captivity  by  the  contributions  of  our 
countrymen.  And  as  one  of  those  who  lived  for  six  months 
solely  upon  those  contributions,  I may  say  that  no  bread 
which  I ever  have  eaten  tasted  sweeter  than  the  bread  sup- 
plied to  me  in  Kilmainham  by  the  generous  and  spontaneous 
gift  of  my  countrymen.” — Charles  Stewart  Parnell. 

‘‘  Still  shalt  thou  be  my  midnight  dream, 

Thy  glory  still  my  waking  theme  ; 

And  every  thought  and  wish  of  mine, 
Unconquer’d  Erin,  shall  be  thine  !” 

Charles  Phillips. 


JFHard)  6 

‘‘We  all  know  that  the  only  way  in  which  labour  in  any 
shape  can  be  protected  from  gross  oppression  and  from 
starvation  wages,  is  by  union  amongst  those  who  labour.” 

John  Dillon. 

“ There  are  lands  where  manly  toil 
Surely  reaps  the  crop  it  sows, 

Glorious  woods  and  teeming  soil 
Where  the  broad  Missouri  flows.” 

Thomas  Davis. 

“ What  breast  was  the  foremost  in  courting  the  danger  ? 
What  door  was  the  widest  to  shelter  the  stranger?” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


SI 


JWarc^  4 

Robert  Emmet  born,  1778. 


jWarcI)  5 


iWarcb  6 


52 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


IBarc^  7 

“ To  be  a good  Patriot,  a man  must  consider  his  country- 
men as  God’s  creatures,  and  himself  as  accountable  for  his 
acting  towards  them.” — Bishop  Berkeley. 

God  prosper  the  cause  ! — oh,  it  cannot  but  thrive 
While  ihe  pulse  of  one  patriot  heart  is  alive, 

Its  devotion  to  feel  and  its  rights  to  maintain.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


J^arcf)  8 

“ The  people  must  take  diligent  care  to  procure  books  on 
the  history,  men.  language,  music,  and  manners  of  Ireland 
for  their  children.”— Thomas  Davis. 

“ Then  here’s  their  memory — may  it  be 
For  us  a guiding  Light, 

To  cheer  our  strife  for  Liberty, 

And  teach  us  to  unite  ! ” 

“ Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 

(Duffy,  Publishers.) 


fHarcI)  9 

“ Neither  in  the  human  countenance  nor  in  anything  else 
is  there  any  absolute  and  independent  beauty  or  ugliness.  . . . 
We  admire  or  dislike  a face  for  the  human  mind  that  lies 
behind  it.” — Avary  W.  Holmes-Forbes. 

‘ ‘ The  angels  that  dwell  far  above  in  the  skies 
Look  down  on  it  often  with  pitying  eyes. 

But  no  nation  on  earth  is  so  sorely  oppress’d 
As  the  home  of  my  boyhood,  dear  Land  of  the  West.” 
Arthur  M.  Forrester. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


S3 


iWard;  7 


if^lard;  8 


iWarcJ)  9 


54 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


JWarcf)  10 

The  ‘ process  ^ was  a veritable  terror — the  message  of 
approaching  destruction.  And  now  (1880)  the  issue  of  those 
missives  against  the  beggared  and  starving  people  grew  to 
enormous  proportions.” — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

‘‘  How  thrive  we  by  the  Union  ? 

Look  round  our  native  land  ; 

In  ruinM  trade  and  wealth  decay’d 
See  Slavery’s  surest  brand.” 

“ The  Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 


J^arci^  II 

“ Surely,  by  the  Irishman  of  the  present  day,  it  ought  to 
be  felt  an  imperative  duty,  which  he  owes  to  his  country  not 
less  than  to  himself,  to  learn  something  at  least  of  her  history, 
her  literature,  and  her  antiquities  ; of  her  position  in  past 
times,  when  she  had  a name  and  a civilization,  a law  and 
life  of  her  own  I — Eugene  O’Curry. 

“To  know  that  in  our  heart  there  dwell 
Some  seeds  of  the  men  of  story  ; 

Oh,  blame  me  not,  if  I love  to  tell 
Of  Erin’s  ancient  glory  ! ” 

“ National  Newspaper.” 


J^arcf)  12 

“ I know  of  no  finer  or  more  noble  sight  than  this  of  a 
man  who  has  striven  for  years  in  this  world — standing  against 
evil  according  to  his  lights  and  his  abilities — receiving  from 
the  coming  generations  a token  of  their  affectionate  reve- 
rence.”— John  Dillon. 

‘ ‘ The  poet  sings  his  deathless  songs,  the  sage  his  lore 
repeats, 

The  patriot  tells  his  country’s  wrongs,  the  chief  his  war- 
like feats ; 

Though  far  away  may  be  their  clay,  and  gone  their  earthly 
pride. 

Each  god-like  mind  in  books  enshrined  still  haunts  my 
fireside.”  Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


55 


J^Tarcl^  10 


J^arcJ)  II 


J^tarcJ)  12 

Bishop  Berkeley  born,  1685. 


56 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


fHard^  13' 

“I  despise  him  who  can  timidly  or  meanly  acquiesce  in 
injustice.” — Daniel  O’Connell. 

“ I will  give  thee  every  hour, 

Every  day  shall  be  thy  dower  ; 

In  the  splendour  of  the  light, 

In  the  watches  of  the  night, 

In  the  shine  and  in  the  shower, 

I shall  work  but  for  thy  right.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


J^arcf)  14 

“Now  our  future  depends  upon  the  action  of  the  people 
of  Ireland!” — Charles  Stewart  Parnell. 

“ When  did  his  promise  die  ? 

When  did  his  power  deny  ? 

Answer  to  Freedom’s  cry 
Gasping  in  prison  ? 

Always  in  face  of  woes. 

Always  at  front  of  foes. 

Always  as  Moses  rose 

Manhood  has  risen  ! ” 

A.  J.  H.  Duganne. 


15 

“ The  American  people  have  done  more  than  justice. 
We  have  passed  through  times  of  enormous  difficulty  and 
desperate  political  struggles,  and  the  Irish  in  America  have 
never  hesitated  to  put  their  hands  deep  into  their  pockets 
and  help  us  in  the  fight  we  were  waging ; we  must  now  come 
together  and  show  that  we  are  determined  to  help  ourselves.” 

John  Dillon. 

“ Like  us,  make  Erin’s  cause  your  own.” 

Dr.  Drennan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


57 


J^arc]^  13 


i^tarc!)  14 

Mr.  Parnell  brought  in  his  new  Land  Bill,  1883. 
Rejected  by  Mr.  Gladstone. 


i^larci^  15 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


S8 


ittarc]^  i6 

“ Every  human  being  is  born  to  influence  some  other 
human  being ; or  many,  or  all  human  beings,  in  proportion 
to  the  extent  and  power  of  the  sympathies,  rather  than  of 
the  intellect.’^ — Mrs.  Jameson. 

‘‘  For  whatsoever  Love  adores. 

Becomes  what  Love  desireth.’’ 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


fHarc!)  17 

“ It  came  upon  me  that  I should  invoke  Helia,  and  mean- 
while I saw  the  sun  rising  in  the  heavens  ; and  while  1 was 
calling  out  ‘ Helia  ! ’ with  all  my  might,  behold  the  splendour 
of  the  sun  fell  upon  me,  and  immediately  dashed  from  me 
the  oppressive  weight.  And  I believe  that  it  was  from 
Christ  my  Lord  that  I earnestly  sought  assistance.*’ 

“The  Confessions  of  St.  Patrick.” 

“ Oh,  the  shamrock,  the  green,  immortal  shamrock  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


18 

“Men  will  not  see  that  greatness  depends,  not  on  the 
intellectual  or  other  strength  of  a man,  but  on  the  Freedom 
and  Light  of  his  soul — on  the  ascendency  of  the  Divine  and 
Eternal  within  him  over  all  that  is  perishable  or  natural.  ” 

Anonymous. 


“ The  outward  form  and  inward  vie 
PI  is  soul  bright  beaming  from  his  eye, 

Ennobling  every  act  and  air. 

With  just,  and  generous,  and  sincere.” 

Dean  Swift. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


59 


J^ard)  1 6 


i^arcf)  17 

St.  Patrick’s  Day. 


J^arcl)  18 


6o 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


19 

Comte  says  that  the  only  true  and  firm  friendship  is  that 
between  man  and  woman.  . . . The  too  early  severance  of 
the  sexes  in  education,  places  men  and  women  in  such  a 
relation  to  each  other,  socially,  as  to  render  such  friendship 
difficult  and  rare.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

‘ ‘ Columbia  the  free  is  the  land  of  my  birth, 

And  my  paths  have  been  all  on  American  earth ; 

But  my  blood  is  as  Irish  as  any  can  be, 

And  my  heart  is  with  Erin,  afar  o’er  the  sea.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


Jiltarcl)  20 

“The  Sidhe  (pronounced  Shee)  were  called  spirits  of  the 
hill,  because  supposed  to  come  out  of  pleasant  hills ; they 
were  also  supposed  to  come  in  the  breeze,  the  musical 
sighing  of  which  was  thought  to  be  their  voices.” 

Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall’s  “ Ireland.” 

‘ ‘ Where  are  thy  heroed  bands  ? 

Thou  Queen  of  the  emerald  plain  ! 

Where  are  thy  golden-hilted  brands 

That  gleam’d  in  the  gallant  Dalcassians’  hands. 

And  Brian’s  kingly  train?” 

Hardiman’s  “Irish  Minstrelsy.” 


21 

“ Ireland  owes  no  debt  to  Britain;  and  she  has  the  right 
which  every  country  has,  to  have  her  own  money  spent 
within  her  own  borders.” — John  Blake  Dillon. 

“Till  ends  the  strife  in  Liberty, 

Till  stands  the  race  redeemed  and  free. 

And  all  the  isle  from  sea  to  sea 
Is  one  bright  field  of  glory  !” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


6i 


i^larcf)  19 


20 


J^Tarc^  21 


62 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


J^arci^  22 

This  combat  must  go  on  like  the  spiritual  combat.  They 
say  that  if  you  relax  for  a moment  in  the  terrible  spiritual 
combat  you  are  undone  ! So  it  is  with  this  Land  organiza- 
tion ; we  must  continue  vigilant,  active,  unswerving,  watching 
every  movement,  and  taking  care  that  in  everything  the 
interests  of  the  people  and  tenants  of  Ireland  shall  be  pro- 
tected and  upheld/’ — The  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Nulty. 

“ ’Tis  the  Landlord’s  Notice — that  thing  of  fear, 
Renew’d,  sustain’d  through  the  live-long  year, 

Chilling  my  life-blood  hour  by  hour. 

With  the  blighting  threat  of  a deadly  power  ! 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


i^tarcl)  23 

‘‘  The  Celts  appear  to  have  retained  in  a purer  form  the 
elementary  superstitions  of  the  East.” — ^James  Wills. 

Oh  ! had  I the  wings  of  a bird 

To  soar  through  the  blue,  sunny  sky, 

By  what  breeze  would  my  pinions  be  stirr’d? 

To  what  beautiful  land  should  I fly  ? ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

“ I love  thee,  poor  and  suffering  as  thou  art. 

Land  of  the  tender,  proud,  and  faithful  heart  ! ” 

Ellen  Forrester. 


Jiaarcl)  24 

“ Military  orders  of  knights  were  very  early  established  in 
Ireland.  Long  before  the  birth  of  Christ,  we  find  an  here- 
ditary order  of  chivalry  in  Ulster,  called  ‘ Curaidhe  na 
Craoibhe  ruadhy  or  the  knights  of  the  Red  Branch,  from 
their  chief  seat  in  Emania.” — O’Halloran. 

Music  ! through  thy  breathing  sphere. 

Lives  there  a sound  more  grateful  to  the  ear 
Of  Him  who  made  all  harmony. 

Than  the  blest  sound  of  fetters  breaking. 

And  the  first  hymn  that  man,  awaking 

F^rom  Slavery’s  slumber,  breathes  to  Liberty  /” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


63 


J^arc]^  22 


JWarcf)  23 


J^tarcJ)  24 


64 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


JHarrl)  25 

“ Ireland  seems  a grand  exception  ! She  is  perhaps  the 
only  country  in  the  world  that  entirely  owes  her  conversion 
to  the  work  of  one  man, — she  is,  again,  the  only  nation  that 
never  cost  her  apostle  an  hour  of  sorrow,  a single  tear,  a 
drop  of  blood.” — Very  Rev.  Thomas  N.  Burke,  O.  P. 

“Her  heart  is  so  given  to  Erin,  its  freedom,  its  beauty,  its 
songs. 

That  she  smiles  but  for  Ireland’s  successes,  and  weeps  but 
for  InnisfaiPs  wrongs  ! ” 

Arthur  M.  Forrester. 


26 

“ He  (Davis)  thought  it  shame  and  sin  that  our  old  island 
should  be  devoured  by  strangers  ; that  the  people  of  the 
ancient  clans,  who  had  once  taught  half  the  schools  and  won 
half  the  battles  in  Europe,  should  send  tribute  of  corn  and 
cattle — as  Athens  did  of  old  to  Crete — tribute  also  of  her 
genius  and  her  energy,  to  swell  the  pride  and  power  of  an 
inferior  race.”— John  Mitchel. 

“ So  they  rush  from  the  revel  to  join  the  parade, 

For  the  van  is  the  right  of  the  Irish  Brigade.” 

Thomas  D^vis. 


i^larcl)  27 

Is  there  an  army  in  any  part  of  the  world,  who,  after 
fighting  a brave  fight  and  winning  a brilliant  victory,  would 
desert  their  wounded  comrades  on  the  field  of  battle  ? My 
friends,  the  evicted  tenants  of  Ireland  are  the  wounded  of 
our  field  of  battle.”— T.  D.  Sullivan. 

“ No  art  of  selfishness 

Thy  generous  nature  knew  ; 

Thy  life  all  love,  the  power  to  bless  thy  bliss 
Constant  and  true.” 


John  F.  Murray. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


65 


jWarcf)  25 


J^itarcf)  26 


i^arcf)  27 


66 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


28 

“ It  was  said,  and  very  beautifully  said,  that  ‘one  man’s 
wit  becomes  all  men’s  wisdom  ’ — even  more  true  is  it  that 
one  man’s  virtue  becomes  a standard  which  raises  our  an- 
ticipation of  possible  goodness  in  all  men.” 

Mrs.  Jameson. 

“Are  they  not  all  thy  children,  that  bright  legion — 

Of  aspirations,  and  all  hopeful  sighs 
That  in  the  solemn  train  of  grave  Religion 

Strew  heavenly  flowers  before  man’s  longing  eyes  ?” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


ifHard^  29 

“I  listened  to  the  eloquence  of  Grattan,  the  very  music 
of  Freedom — her  first,  fresh  matin  song,  after  a long  night 
of  slavery,  degradation,  and  sorrow.” — Thomas  Moore. 

“There  is  honey  in  the  trees  where  her  misty  vales  expand, 
And  her  forest  paths  in  summer  are  by  falling  waters 
fann’d  ; 

There  is  dew  at  high  noontide  there,  and  springs  i’  the 
yellow  sand. 

On  the  fair  hills  of  holy  Ireland.” 

Sir  Samuel  Ferguson. 


JWarcI;  30 

“ A man  who  has  no  sense  of  God  or  conscience,  would 
you  make  such  a one  a guardian  to  your  child  ? If  not,  why 
a guardian  to  the  State?” — Bishop  Berkeley. 

‘ ‘ The  great  old  river  heaved  its  mighty  heart. 

And,  with  a solemn  sigh,  went  calmly  on  ; 

As  if  of  all  his  griefs  it  felt  a part. 

But  knew  they  should  be  borne,  and  so  had  gone.” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


67 


i^larcf)  28 


iWard^  29 


J^arcf)  30 


F 2 


68 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


Jttarcf)  31 

‘ ‘ My  good  friends,  guard  yourselves  against  division  ; be 
watchful  of  those  who  seek  to  divide  you.” 

Daniel  O’Connell. 

“ With  deep  affection  and  recollection, 

I often  think  of  the  Shandon  bells, 

Whose  sounds  so  wild ‘would,  in  days  of  childhood. 
Fling  round  my  cradle  their  magic  spells. 

On  this  I ponder,  where’er  I wander. 

And  thus  grow  fonder,  sweet  Cork,  of  thee, 

With  thy  bells  of  Shandon 
That  sound  so  grand  on 
The  pleasant  waters  of  the  river  Lee.” 

Rev.  Francis  Mahon y. 


The  Irish  Birthday- Book.  69 


iWaril)  31 


■a 


r -5 

^ V 


r 


APRIL 


‘ Oh,  hark  ! for  the  April  showers 
Are  dancing  upon  the  earth, 

Like  the  dance  of  the  elves  in  their  hidden  bowers, 

In  the  joy  of  their  midnight  mirth. 

‘ Hark  ! hark  ! for  the  singing  rain 
Is  kissing  earth’s  opening  flowers, 

And  hiding,  like  thoughts  that  live  not  in  vain, 

The  promise  of  summer  hours.” 

J.  B.  K.,  in  '‘The  Shanu-ock.” 


72 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


'^pxil  I 

‘ ‘ England  should  have  counted  the  cost  before  compelling 
the  Irish  people  to  take  shelter  in  the  arms  of  the  mighty 
mother  of  freedom.”— Lady  Wilde. 

“ While,  far  away  with  those  less  dear,  she  tries  to  hide  her 
grief  in  vain, 

For,  kind  to  all  while  true  to  me,  it  pains  her  to  give  pain.’* 

Thomas  Davis. 


^pril  2 

‘*Even  while  most  miserable,  I will  believe  in  happiness; 
even  while  I do  or  suffer  evil,  I will  believe  in  goodness ; 
even  while  my  eyes  see  not  through  tears,  I will  believe  in 
the  existence  of  what  I do  not  see — that  God  is  benign,  that 
nature  is  fair,  that  the  world  is  not  made  as  a prison  or  a 
penance.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ The  girl  has  pray’d  at  her  mother’s  grave. 

And  kiss’d  that  grave,  and  risen.” 

Aubrey  De  Vere. 


'^pril  3 

“When  the  field  is  covered  with  weeds  and  briars,  some 
preliminary  work  is  needed  before  the  seed  can  be  sown  and 
the  harvest  reaped.” — William  Dillon. 

“Just  like  sweet  April’s  dawn  appears 
Her  modest  face — I see  it  yet — 

And  though  I lived  a hundred  years, 

Methinks  I never  could  forget.” 

Sir  Samuel  Ferguson. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


73 


^pnl  I 


'^pril  2 


^prU  3 


74 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


^pril  4 

“We  heard  a feeble  voice  exclaim,  ‘Dennis!  Dennis! 
don’t  forget  your  mother — youi*  poor  old  mother.  ’ ” 

Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall’s  “Ireland.” 

“ Each  hour  a mercenary  crowd 
With  richest  proffers  strove  ; 

Among  the  rest  young  Edwin  bow’d, 

But  never  talk’d  of  love. 

“ In  humble,  simplest  habit  clad, 

No  wealth  nor  power  had  he  ; 

Wisdom  and  worth  were  all  he  had. 

But  these  were  all  to  me.” 

Oliver  Goldsmith. 


^pr(l  5 

“That  what  I love,  and  do  now  in  my  soul  possess,  should 
cease  to  be — there  is  the  pang,  the  terror  ! I desire  that 
which  I love  to  be  immortal,  whether  I be  so  myself  or  not.” 

Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Soft  April  showers  and  bright  May  flowers 
Will  bring  the  summer  back  again, 

But  will  they  bring  me  back  the  hours 
I spent  with  my  brave  Doinnall  then  ? ” 

Denny  Lane. 


^pril  6 

“ My  son,  I cannot  explain  this  to  you  ; it  is  a mystery  oi 
God  ; and  there  is  no  faith  where  there  is  no  mystery.  ” 

“Oh,  Christ,  of  all  the  beauties  of  God  it  is  true,  ‘The 
greatest  of  these  is  charity.”’ — “Father  Tom  Burke” 
(The  Very  Rev.  Thomas  N.  Burke,  O.P.). 

“Far  better  lights  shall  win  me 

Along  the  path  I’ve  yet  to  roam, — 

The  mind  that  burns  within  me, 

And  pure  smiles  from  thee  at  home.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


75 


“^pril  4 


^pril  5 


^pvil  6 


76 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


'^prtl  7 

‘‘ Yes,  thank  God— thank  God,  for  the  sake  of  our  poor 
country,  where  sectarian  bitterness  has  wrought  such  wrong 
—it  was  an  Irish  Protestant  Parliament  that  struck  off  the 
first  link  of  the  penal  chains,  and  lo  ! once  more  for  a bright, 
brief  day,  Irish  national  sentiment  was  in  warm  sympathy 
and  heartfelt  accord  with  the  laws/’ — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ The  maid  with  the  glorious  grey  eyes 
All  fill’d  with  the  lights  and  the  shadows, 

She  caught  from  her  own  Irish  skies.” 

Anonymous. 


8 

“ I am  ignorant  of  any  one  quality  that  is  amiable  in  a 
woman  which  is  not  equally  so  in  a man.  I do  not  except 
even  modesty  and  gentleness  of  nature  ; nor  do  I know  one 
vice  or  folly  which  is  not  equally  detestable  in  both.” 

Dean  Swift. 


“ If  souls  could  always  dwell  above, 

Thou  ne’er  hadst  left  thy  sphere  ; 

Or,  could  we  keep  the  souls  we  love, 

We  ne’er  had  lost  thee  here.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


^pril  9 

“It  is  impossible  a man  who  is  false  to  his  friends  and 
neighbours  should  be  true  to  the  public.” 

Bishop  Berkeley. 

‘ ‘ Ere  yet  he  fell,  his  hand  on  high 
He  raised,  and  benediction  gave  ; 

Then  sank  in  death  content  to  die : — 

Thy  great  heart,  Erin,  was  his  grave.” 

Aubrey  De  Vere. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


77 


^pnl  7 


^prfl  8 


^pril  9 


78 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


'^pril  lo 

‘‘  In  the  Arts  of  Design,  colour  is  to  form  what  verse  is 
to  prose — a more  harmonious  and  luminous  vehicle  of  the 
thought.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

Let  the  feeble-hearted  pine, 

Let  the  sickly  spirit  whine, 

But  work  and  win  be  thine 
While  you’ve  life.” 

Thomas  Davis, 


^pril  II 

“ There  is  one  great  resource  in  the  hands  of  the  Irish 
people — a resource  which  I am  glad  to  say  they  are  now 
beginning  to  use  and  to  see  the  importance  of — that  of 
union  and  self-reliance.” 

The  Rev.  James  Cantwell,  P.P. 

**  He  loves  the  Green  Isle,  and  his  love  is  recorded 
In  hearts  which  have  suffer’d  too  much  to  forget ; 

And  hope  shall  be  crown’d,  and  attachment  rewarded, 
And  Erin’s  gay  jubilee  shine  out  yet.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


'^pril  12 

“ Regrets  are  vain.  Resolutions  are  fruitful.  I prefer  to 
bear  in  mind  the  words  of  a great  American  writer,  when  he 
said,  ‘ Look  not  mournfully  into  the  past ; it  comes  not 
back.  Improve  the  present  ; it  is  yours.  Go  forth  to  meet 
the  future,  without  fear  and  with  a manly  heart.’  ” 

Charles  Dawson,  Lord  Mayor  of  Dublin 
(Aug.  15,  1882). 

Seven  long  years  away, 

Away  from  home  and  me  ; 

Seven  full  years  to-day. 

Since  Willie  went  over  the  sea  ! ’* 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


79 


^pril  10 


^pril  II 


'^ipril  12 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy  born,  i8i6. 


8o 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


^prtl  13 

‘•I  feel  confident  that  there  is  a glorious  future  in  store 
for  Ireland,  and  that,  with  a little  patience,  a little  organiza- 
tion, and  a full  trust  in  God  on  the  part  of  the  Irish  people, 
they  will  be  enabled  to  obtain  it  at  no  distant  date.” 

William  Francis  Lomasney. 

“ Man  of  Ireland,  heir  of  sorrow. 

Wrong’d,  insulted,  scorn’d,  oppress’d. 

Wilt  thou  never  see  that  morrow 
When  thy  weary  heart  may  rest  ? 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


'^pril  14 

“ People  were  eloquent  in  their  sympathy  for  the  sufferings 
of  cattle  and  horses  in  Ireland^  who  never  were  known  to 
feel  one  throb  of  pity  at  the  fashionable  sin  of  torturing 
pigeons  at  Hurlingham.”* * — Justin  H.  McCarthy. 

“ My  grandsire  died,  his  home  beside  ; 

They  seized  and  hang’d  him  there ; 

His  only  crime,  in  evil  time 
Your  hallow’d  green  to  wear. 

Across  the  main  his  brothers  twain 
Were  sent  to  pine  and  rue ; 

And  still  they  turn’d  with  hearts  that  burn’d 
In  hopeless  love  to  you. 

Dear  land  ! ” 

“ The  Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 


^ptll  15 

“ I do  also  forgive  all  those  who  had  any  hand  in  bringing 
me  from  Ireland  to  be  tried  here  (England)  ; where  it  was 
morally  impossible  for  me  to  have  a fair  trial.” 

Oliver  Plunkett. 

* ‘ Both  mute — but  long  as  valour  shineth, 

Or  mercy’s  soul  at  war  repineth, 

So  long  shall  Erin’s  pride 
Tell  how  they  lived  and  died.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


8i 


^pril  13 


14 


^pril  15 


t 


G 


82 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


'?lpril  i6 

“ Amidst  this  starving  peasantry,  scores  of  political  fugi- 
tives were  now  scattered,  pursued  by  all  the  rigours  of  the 
Government,  and  with  a price  set  on  each  head.  Not  a man 
— not  one  — oi  the  proscribed  patriots  who  thus  sought  asylum 
amidst  the  people  was  betrayed.’^ 

A.  M.  Sullivan,  on  the  rising  in  1848. 

“ May  Ireland’s  voice  be  ever  heard 
Amid  the  world’s  applause  ! 

And  never  be  her  flagstaff  stirr'd, 

But  in  an  honest  cause  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


'april  17 

“Mr.  Michael  Davitt  was  arrested  ! The  news  was  re- 
ceived with  exultation  in  the  House,  and  with  indignation 
by  the  Irish  members,  who  strove  to  speak  against  it,  and 
thirty-six  were  expelled  from  the  sitting  in  conserpience.  ” 

Justin  II.  McCarthy. 

‘ ‘ God  of  Right,  preserve  us 
Just — as  we  are  strong  ; 

Let  no  passion  swerve  us 
To  one  act  of  wrong  ; 

Let  no  thought  unholy 
Come  our  cause  to  blight  ; 

Thus  we  pray  thee,  lowly  — 

Hear  us,  God  of  Right  !” 

M.  J.  Barry. 


'^Ipril  18 

“ Such  a condition  of  things  lasting  for  eighty  years,  such 
a record  on  its  brighter  side  of  remedial  legislation,  such  a 
record  on  its  darker  side  of  coercive  legislation  ! proves 
that  the  experiment  of  government  for  Ireland  by  the  Pa7'- 
liatnent  of  Great  Britain  has  been  a disastrous  failure.  ” 

The  Hon.  Edward  Blake. 

“ I will  go,  a stranger  to  peril  and  danger, 

My  heart  is  so  loyal  in  every  degree  ; 

For  he’s  constant  and  kind,  and  courageous  in  mind, 
Good  luck  to  my  Blackbird,  wherever  he  be  ! ” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy’s  “Ballad 
Poetry  of  Ireland.” 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


83 


^pnl  16 


^pril  17 

William  Molyneux,  b.  1656. 


^pril  18 


G 2 


84 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


'^prll  19 

“Did  he  give  up  the  cause?  No  ! No  faithful  Irish 
bishop  or  priest  ever  did,  or  ever  will,  give  up  the  cause  of 
Ireland/’ — The  Very  Rev.  Thomas  N.  Burke,  O.P. 

‘ ‘ They  are  dying  ! they  are  dying  ! where  the  golden  com 
is  growing. 

They  are  dying  ! they  are  dying  ! where  the  crowded  herds 
are  lowing ; 

They  are  gasping  for  existence  where  the  streams  of  life 
are  flowing. 

And  they  perish  of  the  plague  where  the  breeze  of  health 
is  blowing.” — Denis  F.  MacCarthy. 


'^pril  20 

“ What  a loss  to  a bookish  man  is  the  loss  of  his  own 
books  ! — books  in  which  you  can  turn  to  the  place  you  want 
as  easily  as  you  thread  the  walks  in  your  own  garden.” 

John  Mitchel. 

“ Stand  together,  brothers  all  ! 

Wait  together,  watch  together  ! 

See  America  and  Gaul 

Look  cn  together,  both  together  ! 

Keen  impatience  in  each  eye  ; 

Yet  on  ‘ ourselves  ’ do  we  rely  ! ” 

“ The  Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 


'^pril  21 

“ If  it  were  not  for  the  wretched  condition  of  the  country, 
it  would  have  cost  him  comparatively  little  to  retire  from 
active  life  ; for  he  possessed  all  the  resources  of  happiness 
that  are  furnished  by  a highly  cultivated  intellect.” 

W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Sweet  voice  of  comfort  ! ’twas  like  the  stealing 
Of  summer  wind  thro’  some  wreathed  shell — 

Each  secret  winding,  each  inmost  feeling 
Of  all  my  soul  echoed  to  its  spell  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


85 


19 


^pril  20 


^prtl  21 


86 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


22 

“ ‘ Nothing/  said  the  sceptical  Alciphron,  ‘so  much  con- 
vinces me  of  the  existence  of  another  person  as  his  speaking 
to  — Bishop  Berkeley. 

“ Beseech  for  all  His  aid, 

Who  knows  what  all  should  do.  ** 

Sir  Samuel  Ferguson. 

“ ’Tis  sweet  to  own  a quiet  hearth, 

Begirt  by  constancy  and  mirth  ; 

’Twere  sweet  to  feel  your  dying  clasp 
Return’d  by  friendship’s  steady  grasp.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


'^pril  23 

“ I am  one  of  the  first  willing  to  say  ‘ Let  bygones  be 
bygones  ; let  the  dead  past  bury  its  dead.’  But  if  any  man 
— I care  not  who  he  be — if  any  man  dare  to  say  that 
England’s  treatment  of  Ireland  was  just,  was  necessary,  was 
such  as  can  receive  the  verdict  of  an  honest  man  or  of  an 
honest  people,  ...  if  I were  on  my  death-bed,  I would 
rise  up  to  contradict  him  ! ” 

Very  Rev.  Thomas  N.  Burke,  O.P. 

“ And  shall  it  last,  this  Union, 

To  grind  and  waste  us  so  ? 

O’er  hill  and  lea,  from  sea  to  sea, 

All  Ireland  thunders,  ^Ao  I’  ” 

“ The  Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 


^pril  24 

“ Liberty  may  repair  her  golden  beams,  and  with  redoubled 
7?^^/ animate  the  country.” — Henry  Grattan. 

“ In  the  land  of  our  fathers  where  you  and  I dwelt, 

To  be  sure,  cold  and  hungry  we  oftencimes  felt — 

But  we  had  a home^  and  a spot  where  we  lay 
Our  heads  at  the  close  of  each  sorrowful  day, 

Och,  madrone  ! 

Indeed,  we  saw  many  a sorrowful  day.” 

John  Keegan. 


The  Irish  Birthdav-Book, 


87 


^ptU  22 


llpril  23 


88 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


'^pril  25 

“ The  French  had  lost  ten  thousand  men  in  vain  attempts 
to  take  Barcelona  ; at  last  the  Irish  regiments  of  Dillon  dis- 
lodged the  Spaniards  from  the  neighbouring  hills,  and  the 
capture  of  the  city  followed.  ” 

Aubrey  De  Vere's  “Inisfail.'* 

“ Ah  ! now  her  cheek  glows 
With  the  tint  of  the  rose, 

And  her  healthful  blood  flows 
Just  as  fresh  as  the  stream  ; 

And  her  eye  flashes  bright, 

And  her  footstep  is  light. 

And  sickness  and  blight 

Fled  away  like  a dream.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


'?lprll  26 

‘ ‘ I earnestly  beg  my  countrymen  in  America  to  heal  their 
differences,  to  unite  in  God’s  name  for  the  sake  of  Ireland 
and  Liberty.’’ — Michael  O’Brien. 

‘ ‘ Bear  the  sunshine  and  the  shadow. 

Bear  the  rain-drop  and  the  snow, 

Bear  the  night-dew  to  the  meadow. 

And  to  hope  the  promised  bow.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


'^pril  27 

“Yes.  this  life  of  his — this  career  which  I have  traced — is 
a grand  example  for  Irishmen  through  all  time.” 

A.  M.  wSuLLiVAN,  on  ‘‘John  of  Tuam.” 

“ When  round  Thy  cherubs  smiling  calm 
Without  their  flames,  we  wreath  the  palm, 

O God  ! we  feel  the  emblem  true, — 

Thy  mercy  is  eternal  too  ! 

Those  cherubs,  with  their  smiling  eyes. 

That  crown  of  palm  which  never  dies, 

Are  but  the  types  of  Thee,  above, — 

Eternal  life,  and  peace,  and  love  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


89 


'april  25 


^pril  26 

Irish  Convention  in  America,  1883, 


^pril  27 


90 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


^pril  28 

‘‘This  meeting  was  the  work  of  a man  whose  name, 
whose  labours  and  sacrifices  and  sufferings,  must  ever  be 
associated  with  the  emancipation  of  the  tillers  of  the  soil, 
and  the  overthrow  of  feudal  landlordism  in  Ireland — Michael 
Davitt.”— A.  M,  Sullivan. 

“ ‘ God  of  Justice  !’  I sighed,  ‘send  your  Spirit  down 
On  these  lords  so  cruel  and  proud, 

And  soften  their  hearts,  and  relax  their  frown.’  ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


'^Ipril  29 

“ ‘ Both  wit  and  understanding,’  cried  I,  ^are  trifles  without 
integrity ; it  is  that  which  gives  value  to  every  character  ; 
the  ignorant  peasant,  without  fault,  is  greater  than  the 
philosopher  with  many ; for  what  is  genius  or  courage 
without  a heart  ? An  honest  man’s  the  noblest  work  of 
God.’  “ The  Vicar  of  Wakefield.” 

‘ ‘ The  Orange  heart  was  melted 
In  pity  to  the  Green  ; 

He  heard  the  tale,  and  felt  it 
His  very  soul  within  : 

‘ Dread  not  that  angry  warning. 

Though  death  be  in  its  tone  ; 

I’ll  save  your  life  till  morning, 

Or — I will  lose  my  own.’” 

Gerald  Griffin. 


'Ilprfl  30 

“ All  accounts  concur  in  representing  him  in  private  life 
as  the  simplest  and  most  winning  of  mortals.  The  trans- 
parent purity  of  his  life  and  character,  a most  fascinating 
mixture  of  vehemence  and  benevolence,  a certain  guileless- 
ness of  appearance,  and  a certain  unconscious  oddity,  both  of 
diction  and  gesture,  gave  a peculiar  charm  and  pungency  to 
his  conversation.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky  on  “ Grattan.” 

‘ ‘ I bear  no  hate  against  living  thing  ; 

But  I love  my  country  above  my  king. 

Now,  father  ! bless  me,  and  let  me  go 
To  die,  if  God  has  ordain’d  it  so.” 

Carroll  Malone. 


The  Irish  Birthdav~Book. 


91 


^pril  28 

First  Meeting  of  the  Land  League,  1879. 


^pril  29 


^pril  30 


MAY. 


“The  Ma-y-dew  is  falling  through  the  sweet  ‘stilly  night,' 
When  the  stars  shed  around  us  their  tremulous  light, 

When  the  zephyrs  are  rocking  the  wild  flowers  to  rest, 

And  the  song-bird  has  folded  his  wings  in  his  nest. 

Still  with  gentle  caressing, 

By  night  and  by  day, 

On  the  earth,  with  a blessing 
Fall  the  dew-drops  of  May.” 

“Songs  of  the  Rising  Nation,”  by  Ellen  Forrester. 


94 


The  Irish  Birthday- Book, 


I 

“ And  all  exclaim’d  to  all  they  met, 

That  never  did  the  summer  bring 
So  gay  a Feast  of  Roses  yet  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 

“At  length  arose  o’er  that  isle  of  woes  a dawn  with  a 
steadier  smile, 

And  in  happy  hour  a voice  of  power  awoke  the  slumbering 
isle  ! 

And  the  people  all  obey’d  the  call  of  their  chief’s  un- 
sceptred  hand, 

Vowing  to  raise,  as  in  ancient  days,  the  name  of  their  own 
dear  land!”  Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


jWat}  2 

“ Yes,  we  have  strength  to  make  ‘ Irishmen  free  again 
Only  unite — and  we’ll  conquer  our  foe  ; 

And  never  on  earth  shall  a foreigner  see  again 
Erin  a province — though  lately  so  low.” 

“ The  Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 

“ Need  I say  how  much  T love  thee  ? 

Need  my  weak  words  tell, 

That  I prize  but  heaven  above  thee. 

Earth  not  half  so  well  ? ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


3 

“ The  mild  Franciscans  say — and  sigh— 

‘ Weep  not  except  for  Christ’s  sweet  Passion  ! ’ 
They  never  saw  their  Florence  lie. 

Like  her  I mourn,  in  desolation  ! ” 

Aubrey  De  Vere,  “The  Irish  Exile  at  Fiesole. ” 

“ I felt,  altho’  kind  hearts  were  round  me  there. 

The  kindest  heart  beat  in  a foreign  land. 

Strong  arm  I brave  heart ! oh,  sever’d  far  from  me. 
By  many  a weary  league  of  shore  and  sea  ! ” 

Ellen  Forrester. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


95 


JW.ifi  I 


JWatj  2 


i«nii  3 


96 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


4 

“ Will  he  not  know  this  spring-time  how  I miss  him  ? 
Ilow,  as  I sink  to  sleep, 

The  wild  tears  well  with  all  my  old  ‘ God  bless  him,’ 
And  how  I wake  to  weep.” 

William  Wilkins. 

“ Though  the  last  glimpse  of  Erin  with  sorrow  I see, 
Yet  wherever  thou  art,  shall  seem  Erin  to  me  ; 

In  exile,  thy  bosom  shall  still  be  my  home, 

And  thine  eyes  be  my  climate  wherever  we  roam.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


JHai?  5 

“ Slaves!  lie  down  and  kiss  your  chains, 

To  the  Union  yield  in  quiet  ; 

Were  it  hemlock  in  your  veins. 

Stand  it  must — we  profit  by  it.” 

“Sliabh  Chilian,”  on  remark  in  London  “Times.” 

“ When  the  nations  ope  for  thee  their  queenly  circle — 
As  a sweet  new  sister  hail  thee — 

Shall  these  lips  be  seal’d  in  callous  death  and  silence. 
That  have  known  but  to  bewail  thee  ? ” 

Fanny  Parnell. 


6 

“ ’Tis  mournful  news  for  Ireland.” 

Taken  from  “ Dunboy,” 

by  T.  D.  Sullivan. 


“ Then  raise  the  woeful  Pillalu, 

And  let  your  tears  in  streams  be  shed, 

Oeh^  orro^  orroy  ollalu  ! 

The  chieftain’s  pride,  his  heir,  is  dead  ! ” 

J.  Clarence  Mangan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


97 


jmnp  4 


5 

John  Blake  Dillon  born,  1814. 


jmap  6 


II 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


98 


7 

“Thine  eyes,  which  heaven  entinted, 

Ne’er  grudged  the  pitying  tear, 

Sparkled  whene’er  ’twas  hinted 
That  I was  drawing  near. 

“Thy  face  was  e’er  betraying 

'rhine  inmost  thoughts  to  me  ; 

While  on  thy  lips  were  playing 
Bright  sunny  smiles  of  glee.” 

“ G.  M.,  ’’  of  Waterford. 

“The  heart  that  loves  not  know’s  not  how  to  pray  ; 

The  eye  can  never  smile  that  never  weeps  : 

’Tis  through  our  sighs  hope's  kindling  sunbeams  play. 
And  through  our  tears  the  bow  of  promise  peeps.” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


8 

“O  Irishmen!  never  forget 

’Tis  a foreigner  s your  own  little  isle. 

O Irishmen  ! when  will  you  get 

Some  life  in  your  hearts  for  your  poor  little  isle  ?” 
“ Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 
“ But  — calm,  my  soul  ! we  promised  true 
Her  destined  work  our  land  shall  do  ; 

Thought,  courage,  patience  will  prevail  ! 

We  shall  not  fail  ! — we  shall  not  fail  !” 

Thomas  Davis. 


9 

“ Anchor  in  no  stagnant  shallow  ; 

Trust  the  wide  and  wondrous  sea. 

Where  the  tides  are  fresh  for  ever. 

And  the  mighty  currents  free  : 

There,  perchance,  O young  Columbus  ! 

Your  New  World  of  truth  may  be.” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 
The  rain,  the  rain,  the  beautiful  rain. 

Each  drop  is  a link  of  a diamond  chain 
That  unites  the  earth,  with  its  sin  and  its  stain, 

To  the  radiant  realm  where  God  doth  reign.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCari'Hy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


99 


8 


i^ilay  9 


H 2 


lOO 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


/Kta\)  lo 

“ Then  her  mirth — oh  ! ’twas  sportive  as  ever  took  wing 
From  the  heart  with  a burst,  like  a wild  bird  in  spring  ; 
Illumed  by  a wit  that  would  fascinate  sages, 

Yet  playful  as  Peris  just  loosed  from  their  cages.” 

Thomas  Moore. 

‘ ‘ Long  be  the  day  that  gave  you  birth 
vSacred  to  friendship,  wit,  and  mirth.” 

Dean  Swift. 

“ Can  our  music  no  longer  allure? 

And  can  we  but  sob,  as  such  wrongs  we  endure  ? ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


JiHan  II 

“ Yes  ! the  summer  is  returning. 

Warmer,  brighter  beams  are  burning  ; 

Golden  mornings,  purple  evenings. 

Come  to  glad  the  world  once  more.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 
‘‘  With  mute,  unvoiced  confessings, 

To  the  Giver  of  all  blessings 
I kneel,  and  with  caressings 
Press  the  sod. 

And  thank  my  Lord  and  Father, 

And  my  God.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


iWan  12 

“ And,  from  that  time,  through  wildest  woe. 

That  hope  has  shone,  a far  light ; 

Nor  could  love’s  brightest  summer  glow 
Outshine  that  solemn  starlight  : 

It  seem’d  to  watch  above  my  head 
In  forum,  field,  and  fane  ; 

Its  angel  voice  sang  round  my  bed. 

Nation  once  again.'  ” Thomas  Davis. 
“ ’Twas  his  own  voice — she  could  not  err — 
Throughout  the  breathing  world’s  extent 
There  was  but  one  such  voice  for  her, 

So  kind,  so  soft,  so  eloquent  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthdav-Book, 


i oi 


J^aw  lo 


J^lat)  II* 


12 


102 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i«ai?  13 

“Love  and  Labour,  Song  and  Art, 

Be  this  the  cheerful  creed  wherewith  the  world  may  start.” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

“ Oh,  Suillebhain  has  come 
Within  sight  of  his  home, — 

He  had  left  it  long  years  ago  ; 

The  tears  are  in  his  eyes, 

And  he  prays  the  wind  to  rise. 

As  he  looks  towards  his  castle,  from  the  prow,  from  the 
prow, 

As  he  looks  towards  his  castle  from  the  prow.  ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


14 

“ Never  be  down-hearted,  boys,  never  know  despair. 

Never  say  dear  Ireland  is  lost  at  last — 

Keep  the  good  old  flag,  boys,  floating  in  the  air. 

The  dawn  is  on  its  fringes  and  the  night  goes  past ! ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 

“ Hence  it  came,  that  this  soft  harp  so  long  hath  been  known 
To  mingle  love’s  language  with  sorrow’s  sad  tone  ; 

Till  thou  didst  divide  them,  and  teach  the  fond  lay 
To  be  love,  when  I’m  near  thee,  and  grief  when  away.  ’ 

Thomas  Moore. 


15 

“ What  might  have  been  we  cannot  know. 

If,  in  the  long  evanish’d  years, 

A generous  heart  was  in  the  foe 

That  rush’d  upon  our  fathers’  spears. 

“ But  as  the  ages  roll’d  along. 

One  ruthless  purpose  still  they  knew  ; 

And  ’midst  the  storms  of  hate  and  wrong 
The  Irish  generations  grew.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


13 


14 


imae  15 

Michael  William  Balfe  born,  1808. 


104 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


16 

“ Hail,  genial  sun,  propitious  ray. 

Parent  of  healthy  as  well  as  day  ! 

Be  soon  thy  beams  with  warmth  inclined. 

To  aid  the  friend  of  human  kind  ; 

Ne’er  did  thy  power  on  worthier  head. 

Through  all  thy  course,  kind  influence  shed.” 

William  Thompson  (1750). 

‘‘  The  trees  in  the  zephyrs  their  graceful  boughs  swing 
Like  banners,  to  welcome  thee,  beautiful  Spring  ! ” 

Ellen  Forrester. 

“ A blessing,  gentle  Alice,  upon  thee ! ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

17 

“In  the  night,  in  the  night,  O my  country,  the  stream  calls 
out  from  afar ; 

So  swells  thy  voice  through  the  ages,  sonorous  and  vast  : 
In  the  night,  in  the  night,  O my  country,  clear  flashes  the 
star  ; 

So  flashes  on  me  thy  face  through  the  gloom  of  the  past.” 

Aubrey  De  Vere. 

“Thus  clasp’d  and  prostrate  all,  with  their  heads  together 
bow’d, 

Soft  o’er  their  bosoms  beating — the  only  human  sound — 
They  hear  the  silky  footsteps  of  the  silent  fairy  crowd, 
Like  a river  in  the  air  gliding  round.” 

“The  Fairy  Thorn,”  by  Sir  Samuel  Ferguson. 

i^las  18 

“ We  look’d  upon  that  banner, 

And  the  memory  arose. 

Of  our  homes  and  perish'd  kindred 
Where  the  Lee  or  Shannon  flows  ; 

We  look’d  upon  that  banner. 

And  we  swore  to  God  on  high, 

To  smite  to-day  the  Saxon’s  might — 

To  conquer  or  to  die.” 

Bartholomew  Dowling. 
“Oh  ! bright  are  the  names  of  the  chieftains  and  sages. 

That  shine  like  the  stars  through  the  darkness  of  ages.” 

D.  F.  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


105 


iWas  16 

A.  M.  Sullivan  born,  1830. 


JWan  17 


{tlau  18 


io6 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


Jttnp  19 

“ What,  though  they  menace?  Suffering  men 
Their  threats  and  them  despise  ; 

Or  promise  Justice  once  again  ? 

We  know  their  words  are  lies  : 

We  stand  resolved  those  rights  to  claim 
They  robbed  us  of  before, 

Our  own  dear  nation  and  our  name, 

As  Paddies  evermore.’* 

“ Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 

(Duffy,  Publishers.) 

“ Fair  moon  ! sweet  stars  ! that  softly  smile  on  me. 
Oh,  smile  upon  my  friends  across  the  sea.” 

Ellen  Forrester. 


20 

‘‘  There,  with  souls  ever  ardent  and  pure  as  the  clime, 

We  should  love,  as  they  loved  in  the  first  golden  time  ; 
The  glow  of  the  sunshine,  the  balm  of  the  air, 

Would  steal  to  our  hearts,  and  make  all  summer  there.” 

Thomas  Moore. 
“ The  rain  upon  our  cottage  thatch 
Is  drifting  noiselessly, — 

So  soft  may  all  life’s  tempests  fall 
On  you,  my  love*,  and  me.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


i^tan  21 

“ What  lesson  does  the  good  hound  teach  ? 

Oh  ! to  be  faithful  each  to  each  ! 

What  lesson  gives  the  noble  steed  ? 

Oh  ! to  be  swift  in  thought  and  deed  !” 

D.  F.  MacCarthy. 
“ By  many  a Scottish  moorland  wide. 

By  many  an  English  river, 

Men  loved  of  old  their  ‘Good  Saint  Bride,’ 

But  Erin  loves  for  ever  ! 

A sword  went  forth  ; thy  fanes  they  burn’d  ! 

Sweet  saint,  no  angers  fret  thee ! 

There  are  that  ne’er  thy  grace  have  spurn’d  ! 

There  are  that  ne’er  forget  thee  ! ” 

Aubrey  De  Vere. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


1 07 


19 


20 


Jgtan  21 


io8 


The  Irish  Birthday^ Book. 


i^an  22 

“Music!  oh,  how  faint,  how  weak, 

Language  facies  before  thy  spell ! 

Why  should  feeling  ever  speak. 

When  thou  canst  breathe  her  soul  so  well  ? 

Thomas  Moore. 

“ A bark  bound  for  Erin  lay  waiting  ; he  enter’d  like  one  in 
a dream  : 

Fair  winds  in  the  full  purple  sails  led  him  soon  to  the 
Shannon’s  broad  stream. 

’Twas  an  evening  that  Florence  might  envy,  so  rich  was 
the  lemon-hued  air, 

As  it  lay  on  lone  Scattery’s  island,  or  lit  the  green  moun- 
tains of  Clare.”  D.  F.  MacCar  j'HY. 


23 

“I’ve  met  with  a few  of  as  shining  eyes, 

I’ve  met  with  a hundred  of  wilder  sighs, 

I think  I met  some  whom  I loved  as  well,  — 

But  none  who  loved  me  like  my  ilarling  Nell. 
She’s  ready  to  cry  when  I seem  unkind. 

But  she  smothers  her  grief  within  her  mind  ; 

And  when  my  spirit  is  soft  and  fond. 

She  sparkles  the  brightest  of  stars  beyond.” 

Thomas  Davis. 

“My  Doinnall  swore,  ay,  o’er  and  o’er. 

We’d  part  no  more,  oh,  stor  machree  V'" 

Denny  Lane. 


JBlai)  24 

“ ’Tis  all  a dream— the  wrong,  the  strife, 

The  scorn,  the  blow,  the  loss,  the  pain ! 
Immortal  gladness,  love,  and  life 
Alone  are  lords  by  right  and  reign.” 

Aukrey  De  Vere. 
“Good  night  ! good  night  ! sleep  soft,  my  tender  dove, 
Curtain’d  from  fear  of  storm  or  any  jar  ; 

In  everlasting  guard  of  seraph  love. 

And  watch’d  by  maiden  eyes  of  moon  and  star  : 
Blessings  upon  thy  rest  I breathe  afar, 

Longing  to  send  thee  balmy  slumber  sweet, 

And  haply  some  fair  dream.” — William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday- Booh. 


109 


22 


imay  23 


j!^ap  24 


I lO 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


J^tap  25 

The  Clair seach  wild,  whose  trembling  string 
Had  long  the  ‘ song  of  sorrow  ’ spoke, 

Shall  bid  the  wild  Rosg-caia  sing 
The  curse  and  crime  of  Saxon  yoke. 

And,  by  each  heart  his  bondage  broke — 

Each  exile's  sigh  on  distant  sh^-re — 

Each  martyr  ’neath  the  headsman’s  stroke, 

The  Saxon  holds  us  slaves  no  more.” 

Edwxri)  Walsh. 

“ For  well  he  loved,  for  Ireland’s  sake. 

To  kindle  thus  the  patriot  flame. 

Or  keep  the  burning  zeal  awake. 

In  younger  hearts  that  near  him  came.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


Jttap  26 

“ Shall  I ask  the  brave  soldier,  who  fights  by  my  side 
In  the  cause  of  mankind,  if  our  creeds  agree  ? 

Shall  I give  up  the  friend  I have  valued  and  tried, 
if  he  kneel  nut  before  the  same  altar  with  me? 

From  the  heretic  girl  of  my  soul  shall  1 fly, 

d'o  seek  somewhere  else  a more  orthodox  kiss  ? 

No  ! perish  the  hearts  and  the  laws  that  try 

Truth,  valour,  or  love  by  a standard  like  this  ! ” 

Thomas  Moorl. 

“ In  the  sacred  cause  of  Freedom,  sink  all  jealousy  and  spite  ; 

Fools  may  quarrel,  who's  to  lead  ’em,  but  the  true  7ncn 
will  unitel  Arthur  M.  Forrkstlr. 


iFlap  27 

“ May  27,  1848.  - On  this  day,  about  four  o’clock  in  the 
afternoon,  I,  John  Mitchel,  was  kidnapped,  and  carried  off 
from  Dublin,  in  chains,  as  a convicted  ‘ Felon.’  ” 

“Jail  Journal,”  by  John  Mitchi!:l. 

“ And  rend  the  cursed  Union, 

And  fling  it  to  the  wind — 

And  Ireland’s  laws  in  Ireland’s  cause 
Alone  our  hearts  shall  bind  ! ” 

“ The  Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


Ill 


jmap  25 


26 


27 


I I 2 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


jlilau  28 

“ Only  a smile  from  the  one  you  love, 

Given  at  last  to  welcome  you  ; 

And  you  think  the  sky  has  open’d  above, 

And  all  the  world  is  born  anew.” 

“ The  Irishman  ” Newspaper. 

“ Oh,  happiest  season  ever  seen, 

O day,  indeed  the  happiest  day  ; 

Join  with  me,  love,  and  with  me  say — 

Sweet  summer  time  and  scene.'’ 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


29 

“ The  Castle?  Never.  Mark  me  well, 

For  time  shall  prove  the  truth  I tell : — 

No  English  troops  shall  ever  find 
A shelter  from  the  rain  or  wind, — 

No  English  preacher  ever  raise 
A canting  hymn  in  England’s  praise,  — 

No  English  council  ever  prate 

The  weal  or  woe  of  England's  state, — 

Nor  Irish  slave  one  hour  enjoy. 

Beneath  the  roof  of  proud  Duiiboy.” 

'i'.  D.  Sullivan. 


i«ap  30 

“ So  grant  me,  God,  from  every  care, 

And  stain  of  passion  free. 

Aloft,  thro’  Virtue’s  purer  air 
To  hold  my  course  to  Thee  ! 

No  sin  to  cloud — no  lure  to  stay 
My  soul,  as  home  she  springs  : — 

Thy  sunshine  on  her  joyful  way, 

Thy  freedom  in  her  wings  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 

‘ God  save  our  Native  Land  ! 

May  His  strong  sustaining  Hand 

Be  for  aye  her  sure  protection  and  her  stay.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book.  113 
Jiiay  28 

Thomas  Moore  born,  1779. 


iiiaap  29 


30 


I 


114 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


jmap  31 

“ I have  tasted  all  life’s  pleasures — I have  snatch’d  at  all  its 
joys— 

The  dance’s  merry  measures,  and  the  revel’s  festive  noise  ; 
Though  wit  flash’d  bright  the  livelong  night,  and  flow’d 
the  ruby  tide, 

I sigh’d  for  thee— I sigh’d  for  thee,  my  own  fireside  ! ” 

D.  F.  MacCarthy. 

“I’ll  tell  thee,  for  thy  sake  I will  lay  hold 
Of  all  good  aims,  and  consecrate  to  thee. 

In  worthy  deeds,  each  moment  that  is  told 
While  thou,  beloved  one  ! art  far  from  me.” 

Mrs.  Butler. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


”5 


jTOan  31 


2 


JUNE. 


Who  comes  with  summer  to  this  earth, 

And  owes  to  June  her  day  of  birth, 

With  ring  of  agate  on  her  hand, 

Can  health,  wealth,  and  long  life  command  ! ” 

‘*The  Irishman”  Newspaper. 


ii8  The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 



3)une  I 

“To  leave  the  world  a name  is  nought  ; 

To  leave  a name  for  glorious  deeds 
And  works  of  love — 

A name  to  waken  lightning  thought, 

And  fire  the  soul  of  him  who  reads, 

This  tells  above  ! ” 

James  Clarence  Mangan. 
“He  slew  ten  Princes  who  brake  their  pledges  ; 

With  the  bribed  and  the  base  he  scorn’d  to  carouse  ; 
He  was  sweet  and  awful  ; through  all  his  reign 
God  gave  great  harvests  to  vale  and  plain  ” 

Aubrey  De  Vere. 


3)une  2 

“To  strive  as  they  strove,  yet  retrieving 
The  cause  from  all  shadow  of  blame, 

In  the  congress  of  peoples  achieving 
A place  for  our  nation  and  name  ; 

Not  by  war  between  brothers  in  blood. 

But  by  glory  made  perfect  through  good.  ” 

Lady  Wilde. 

“ Ah,  when  shall  that  glad  moment  gleam 
When  all  our  hearts  such  spell  shall  feel. 

And  blend  in  one  broad  Irish  stream, 

On  Irish  ground  for  Ireland’s  weal  ? ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


JJune  3 

“ Be  patient  ! oh,  be  patient ! for  the  germs  of  mighty  thought 

Must  have  their  silent  undergrowth,  must  under  ground  be 
wrought; 

But,  assure  as  ever  there’s  a Powder  that  makes  the  grass 
appear, 

Our  land  shall  smile  with  Liberty,  the  blade-time  shall  be 
here.”  “ Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 

“ O Liberty  ! let  not  this  spirit  have  rest 

Till  it  move,  like  a breeze,  o'er  the  waves  of  the  w’est  j 
Give  the  light  of  your  looks  to  each  sorrowing  spot. 

Nor,  oh  ! l,e  the  shamrock  of  Erin  forgot  ! ” 

Tho.mas  Moorf. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


119 


Hune  I 


3June  2 


3une  3 


J 20 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


3iune  4 

“Oh,  look  not  so  I—beneath  the  skies, 

I now  fear  nothing  but  those  eyes  ! ’ 

Thomas  Moorf. 

“Sleep,  sleep,  beloved  ! Angels  take 
The  charge  of  friends,  and  happy  make 
'fhy  dreams,  that  they  a foretaste  be 
Of  day’s  most  dear  reality. 

Friendless,  forsaken,  while  I keep 
Lone  vigil,  sleep,  beloved,  sleep  ! ’* 

Mary  J.  Serrano. 


3une  5 

“Yet  speak  them  oft,  and  oft  again — 

Yes,  let  them  sound  o’er  vale  and  plain. 

And  echo  on  from  hill  to  hill — 

‘ The  Priests  are  with  the  People  still  ! ’ ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 

“ What  opposite  creeds  come  together  ! 

How  mingle  north,  south,  east,  and  west  ! 

Yet  who  minds  the  difference  a feather  ? — 

Each  strives  to  love  Erin  the  best.” 

M.  J.  Barry. 


Sune  6 

“The  cottage  hearth,  the  convent’s  wall,  the  battlemented 
tower. 

Grew  up  around  the  crystal  springs,  as  well  as  flag  and 
flower  ; 

The  brooklime  and  the  watercress  were  evidence  of  health. 
Abiding  in  those  basins,  free  to  poverty  and  wealth.” 

“The  Ploly  Wells,”  J.  D.  Fraser. 

“ How  still  and  peaceful  all  things  are. 

Musing  upon  the  things  of  heaven  ; 

High  in  the  blue  the  evening  star 
Is  kindling,  like  a soul  forgiven  ! ” 

William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


T 2 I 


3unc  4 


Sune  5 


3unf  6 


122 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


3)une  7 

“ When  Tyrants  dare  to  trample  down 
The  rights  of  those  they  rule  ; 

When  toiling  men  must  meet  the  frown 
Of  every  lordling  fool ; 

When  laws  are  made  to  crush  the  weak, 

And  lend  the  strong  assistance  ; 

When  millions  vainly  justice  seek.” 

M.  J.  Barry. 

“ When  once  love  and  pride  of  your  country  ye  cherish, 
The  seeds  of  disunion  and  discord  shall  perish, 

And  Erin,  dear  Erin,  in  loveliness  flourish  ; 

Awake  then,  awake,  and  lie  dreaming  no  more ! ” 

Denvir’s  “ Irish  Library.'’ 


3une  8 

“ A little  bird  sang  in  my  ear, 

With  voice  prophetic,  sweet,  and  clear, 

' Bright  Freedom’s  happy  day  is  near 
For  Ireland  and  her  people.' 

The  people  ! the  people  ! 

God  bless  the  Irish  people ! 

Through  all  their  years  of  blood  and  tears. 

Old  Ireland’s  gallant  people.” 

Dr.  R.  D.  Joyce. 

“ For  Trust  still  lives,  and  Honour  ne’er  shall  die 
Within  my  heart  while  life  abides  therein  ! ” 

Deirdr^. 


3)une  9 

“ When  times  of  better  hope  arise. 

And  feuds  are  laid  aside, 

When  men  have  grown  too  calm  and  wise 
For  traitors  to  hvidel  M.  J.  Barry. 

“ Give  us  the  likeness  of  The  Chief, 

Not  in  gaiety,  nor  grief ; 

Change  not  by  your  art  to  stone 
Ireland’s  laugh,  or  Ireland’s  moan.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


123 


iune  7 


^nnc  8 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


1 24 


3)une  10 

‘‘  Like  the  beauty  of  summer,  his  presence  gave  joy  to  our 
souls.” — “ Brian’s  Lament  for  King  Mahon,”  translated 
by  M.  Hogan. 

“ Oh,  sadness,  come  to-morrow, 

But  le^ve  me  for  to-day  ; 

Oh,  drooping,  tearful  sorrow. 

Your  hour  has  pass’d  away. 

And  narrow,  selfish  blindness 
For  this  while  be  forgot ; 

Yea,  all  the  world’s  unkindness 
This  hour  can  touch  me  not.” 

William  Wilkins. 


S'une  II 

O Ireland  ! ancient  Ireland  ! 

Ancient ! yet  for  ever  young ! 

Thou  our  mother,  home  and  sireland — 

Thou  at  length  hast  found  a tongue — 

Proudly  thou,  at  length, 

Resistest  in  triumphant  strength. 

The  flag  of  freedom  floats  unfurl’d  ; 

And  as  that  mighty  God  existeth  ; 

Who  giveth  victory  when  and  where  He  listeth. 

Thou  yet  shalt  wake  and  shake  the  nations  of  the  world.” 
James  Clarence  Mangan. 


3!unc  12 

True  to  his  name,  his  country,  and  his  God, 
Faithful  at  home,  and  steadfast  still  abroad. 

Ellen  Forrester. 

‘ ‘ But  would  you  by  your  heart  unroll 
His  own,  and  Ireland’s  secret  soul, 

And  give  to  other  times  to  scan 
The  greatest  greatness  of  this  man  ? 

Fierce  defiance  let  him  be 
Hurling  at  our  enemy, — 

From  a base  as  fair  and  sure 
As  our  love  is  true  and  pure.  ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


125 


3^une  lo 


func  II 


Slune  12 


126 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


5une  13 

“ Bright  sun,  before  whose  glorious  ray 
Our  pagan  fathers  bent  the  knee j 
Whose  pillar-altars  yet  can  say, 

When  time  was  young,  our  sires  were  free  ; 
Who  seest  how  fallen  their  offspring  be — 

Our  matrons’  tears,  our  patriots’  gore  ; 

We  swear  before  high  heaven  and  thee. 

The  Saxon  holds  us  slaves  no  more  ! ” 

Edward  Walsh. 

‘ ‘ Thou — Thou  that  rul’st  the  peace,  the  war. 

Keep  us  but  Thine  for  evermore  !” 

Aubrey  De  Vere. 


3"unc  14 

“Think  you  the  god-like  brother  of  all  men  born 
Can  hold  sweet  Mangan  or  bright  Moore  in  scorn  ? 
Think  you  his  hand  is  slacken’d,  nor  returns 
The  grasp  of  Burns  ? 

Doubt  not  that  even  as  aweless  Byron  stands 
Flatter’d  by  favour  at  great  Shakspere’s  hands, 

So—  lull’d  and  loving — slumbers  Irish  ire 
In  Shakspere’s  choir.” 

William  Wilkins. 
“ My  drink  was  the  burning  red  wine  of  thy  wrongs; 
Thy  freedom  my  prayer  and  my  dream.” 

Anonymous. 


Sunt  15 

“ Brothers,  I would  have  it  known. 

Shall  our  race,  when  years  have  fled. 

Spurn  the  glory  now  their  own. 

Into  English  ways  have  grown, 

English  be  in  blood  and  bone, 

Soul,  or  heart,  or  head  ? 

You  can  answer — so  can  I — 

Making  no  delay  whatever; 

One  small  word  is  the  reply. 

And  the  word  is — Never  ! ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


127 


5!une  13 


fune  14 


15 


128 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


3"une  i6 

“ How  dear  to  me  the  hour  when  daylight  dies, 

And  sunbeams  melt  along  the  silent  sea, 

For  then  sweet  dreams  of  other  days  arise. 

And  memory  breathes  her  vesper  sigh  to  thee.” 

Thomas  Moore. 

“ She  is  a rich  and  rare  land  ; 

Oh  ! she’s  a fresh  and  fair  land  ; 

• She  is  a dear  and  rare  land — 

This  native  land  of  mine. 

No  men  than  hers  are  braver — 

Her  women’s  hearts  ne’er  waver  ; 

I’d  freely  die  to  save  her. 

And  think  my  lot  divine.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


17 

“ When  I am  far  away. 

Be  gayest  of  the  gay  ; 

Too  dear  your  happiness 
For  me  to  wish  it  less. 

Love  has  no  selfishness, 

Eibhlin  a ruin.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


“ And  the  bold  thrush  sings  so  bravely  his  song  i’  the  forests 
grand. 

On  the  fair  hills  of  holy  Ireland.”' 

Sir  Samuel  Ferguson. 


3Iunc  18 

“ Wrapt  in  the  hush  of  fervid  June, 

When  purple  hill  and  flowery  lea 
Lie  slumbering  in  the  lap  of  noon. 

Oh,  then,  sweetheart,  I think  of  thee  ! ” 

Ellen  Forrester. 

‘ ‘ The  shades  resound  with  song,  oh  softly  tread  ! 
While  a whole  season  warbles  round  my  head/’ 

Thomas  Parnell. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


129 


31une  16 


%nnc  17 


3^unc  18 


K 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


1 30 


5"une  19 

“ Shall  the  ear  be  deaf  that  only  loved  thy  praises, 

When  all  men  their  tribute  bring  thee  ? 

Shall  the  mouth  be  clay  that  sang  thee  in  thy  squalor, 
When  all  poets^  mouths  shall  sing  thee  ? ” 

Fanny  Parnell. 

“For  thee  I will  arouse  my  thoughts  to  try 

All  heavenward  flights,  all  high  and  holy  strains  ; 

For  thy  dear  sake  I will  wait  patiently 

Through  these  long  hours,  nor  call  their  minutes  pains.” 

Mrs.  Butler. 


Tunc  20 

“ Brave  heart,  bold  heart,  and  active  brain ! 

What  hopes  and  griefs  were  like  to  thine  ? 

Thou  patient  worker,  whose  design 
Was  wrought  till  promised  triumph  shone 
Upon  its  summit — then  again 
Was  dash’d  to  ruin — gallant  Tone  ! ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 

‘ ‘ ‘ Land  of  song  ! ’ said  the  warrior  bard, 

‘ Tho’  all  the  world  betrays  thee. 

One  sword  at  least  thy  rights  shall  guard, 

One  faithful  harp  shall  praise  thee.’  ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


Tunc  21 

“ This  warm  air, 

Breathing  soft  odours  ; yon  blue  sky. 

And  all  it  bends  o’er,  bright  and  fair, — 

These  have  no  part  in  misery.” 

M.  J.  Serrano. 

‘ ‘ The  thread  of  our  life  would  be  dark,  heaven  knows  ! 

If  it  were  not  with  friendship  and  love  intertwined  ; 

And  I care  not  how  soon  I may  sink  to  repose, 

When  these  blessings  shall  cease  to  be  dear  to  my  mind.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


131 


3^unc  19 


20 

Theobald  Wolfe  Tone  born,  1764. 


Tune  21 


K 2 


132 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


S'une  22 

‘ ‘ The  noble-hearted  sees  in  earth 
A paradise  before  his  eyes  ; 

The  dreams  to  which  his  soul  gives  birth, 

He  fondly  hopes  to  realize  ; 

He  dedicates  his  burning  youth 
To  glorify  the  majesty  of  Truth  ! ” 

James  Clarence  Mangan. 

“And  oh  ! even  if  freedom  from  this  world  be  driven, 
Despair  not — at  least  we  shall  find  her  in  heaven  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


f une  23 

“Fling  our  sun -burst  to  the  wind,- 
Studded  o’er  with  names  of  glory. 

Worth  and  wit,  and  might  and  mind, 

Poet  young,  and  patriot  hoary, 

Long  shall  make  it  shine  in  story.” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

“ But  while  I follow’d  gain  and  fame. 

And  in  the  great  world  play’d  my  part, 

I changed  ; — but  she  remained  the  same  ; 

And  now  I think  it  broke  her  heart.” 

William  Wilkins. 


Sunt  24 

“No  matter  for  your  foreign  name. 

No  matter  what  your  sires  have  done. 

No  matter  whence  or  when  you  came, — 

The  land  shall  claim  you  as  a son.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

“ Freedom’s  bark  to  port  is  running. 

But  beware  the  lurking  shelves  ; 

And  would  you  conquer  tyrants’  cunning, 
Brethren,  conquer  first  yourselves,” 

R.  D.  Williams. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


T33 


5^une  22 


3^unc  2 


34 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


25 

“It  stirs  me  still,  that  solemn  sight, 

Of  the  proud  old  land  made  free, 

Our  flag  afloat  from  her  castles  tall, 

And  the  ships  on  the  circling  sea, 

And  the  joyful  voice,  like  a roll  of  drums. 

Of  the  nation’s  jubilee  ! 

wSiR  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

“ Stand  together,  brothers  all  ! 

Proud  together,  bold  together  ! 

From  Kerry’s  cliffs  to  Donegal, 

Bound  in  heart  and  soul  together  ! ” 

“ The  Spirit  of  the  Nation  ” (Duffy;. 

$!unc  26 

“ Oh  ! why  did  you  go  when  the  flowers  were  springing, 
And  winters  wild  tempests  had  vanish’d  away. 

When  the  swallow  was  come,  and  the  sweet  lark  was  singing 
From  the  morn  to  the  eve  of  the  beautiful  day?” — Tiny. 
“ ‘ Oh  ! for  a mountain-side, 

Bucklers  and  brands. 

Freely  I could  have  died 
Heading  my  bands  ; 

But  on  a felon  tree — ! ’ 

Bearing  a fetter  key  ! 

By  him  all  silently,  Emmeline  stands  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


3^une  27 

‘ ‘ Fill  up — and  with  a lofty  tongue 
As  ever  spoke  from  steeple, 

From  shore  to  shore  his  health  be  rung — 

The  Leader  of  the  people  ! 

‘ The  Leader  of  the  people  ! Grand, 

Yet  simple  wisdom  guide  him  ! 

And  glory  to  the  men  who  stand. 

Like  sheathed  swords,  beside  him  ! ” 

“ Spirit  of  the  Nation.” 

“ Shall  mine  eyes  behold  thy  glory?  Oh  my  country  ! 

Shall  mine  eyes  behold  thy  glory  ? 

Or  shall  the  darkness  close  around  me,  ere  the  sun-blaze 
Break  at  last  upon  thy  story?” — Fanny  Parnell. 


The  Irish  Birthday-, Book, 


135 


25 


func  26 


3Iune  27 

Charles  Stewart  Parnell  born,  1846, 


136 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


3une  28 

“ A soul,  too,  more  than  half  divine, 

Where,  through  some  shades  of  earthly  feeling. 
Religion’s  soften’d  glories  shine, 

Like  light  through  summer  foliage  stealing  ; 
Shedding  a glow  of  such  mild  hue, 

So  warm,  and  yet  so  shadowy  too, 

As  makes  the  very  darkness  there 
More  beautiful  than  light  elsewhere.” 

Thomas  Moore. 

‘ ‘ Ye  Saxon  despots,  hear,  and  dread  ! 

Your  march  o’er  patriot  hearts  is  o’er — 

That  shout  hath  told,  that  tramp  hath  said, 

Our  country’s  sons  are  slaves  no  more  ! ” 

Edward  Walsh. 


fune  29 

If  lovers  read  this  antique  tale, 

What  need  I speak  of  red  or  pale  ? 

The  fairest  form  and  brightest  eye 
Are  simply  those  for  which  they  sigh  ; 

The  truest  picture  is  but  faint 
To  what  a lover’s  heart  can  paint.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 
“ I never  look’d  on  eyes  that  shed 

Such  home-light  mingled  with  such  beauty, — 
That  ’mid  all  lights  and  .shadows  said, 

‘ I love  and  trust,  and  will  be  true  to  ye.’  ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


"Hum  30 

‘‘  Wake,  mother,  wake,  and  here  behold 
Thy  chil  .ren’s  genius  shine  ! 

If  triumph  crown’d  thy  brow  of  old. 

To  triumph  still  is  thine  ; 

And,  while  the  nations  own  thy  .sway 
In  many  a peaceful  field, 

Eclipse  that  sterner  olden  day. 

By  Bardic  lore  reveal’d.” — Gra  Machree. 
“ Work  truly  thy  work,  whate’er  it  be. 

For  Erin  and  immortality.” 

William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


137 


fwiu  28 


f une  29 


fune  30 


J U LY, 


HOPE  IN  DEATH. 


‘ Descend,  O Sun,  o’er  yonder  waste, 

O’er  moors  and  meads  and  meadows  : 

Make  gold  a world  but  late  o’ercast ; 

With  purple  tinge  the  shadows  ! 

Thou  goest  to  bless  some  happier  clime 
Than  ours  ; but,  sinking  slowly, 

To  us  thou  leav’st  a hope  sublime. 

Disguised  in  melancholy. 

A Love  there  is  that  shall  restore 
What  dreadful  Death  takes  from  us  ; 

A secret  Love,  whose  gift  is  more 
Than  Faith’s  authentic  promise  ; 

A Love  that  says,"  ‘ I hide  awhile, 

For  sense,  that  blinds,  is  round  you  — 

O well-loved  dead  ! ere  now  the  smile 
Of  that  great  Love  has  found  you  ! ” 

Aubrey  De  Vere. 


140 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


fulw  I 

‘‘There  is  another  reason  why  we  should  interfere — we 
can  speak  with  authority  on  this  subject  ; we  are  federalists 
ourselves ; we  are  experienced  in  the  benefits  of  Home  Rule  ; 
we  know  what  it  means  ; we  know  that  it  is  our  most  precious 
possession  ; that  there  is  nothing  we  will  part  with  with 
greater  reluctance  or  more  difficulty  than  our  portion  of 
Home  Rule!” — Hon.  Edward  Blake  on  “Ireland.” 

“ Ottawa’s  tide  ! this  trembling  moon 
Shall  see  us  float  over  thy  surges  soon. 

Saint  of  this  green  Isle  1 hear  our  prayer, 

Grant  us  cool  heavens  and  favouring  air  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


SluIo  2 

“To  trust  religiously,  to  hope  humbly,  to  desire  nobly,  to 
think  rationally,  to  will  resolutely,  and  to  work  earnestly, — 
may  this  be  mine.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Ulster  and  Munster  unitedly, 

Townsman  and  peasant  like  waves  of  the  sea, 
Leinster  and  Connacht  to  victory — 

Shoulder  to  shoulder  for  Liberty, 

Shoulder  to  shoulder  for  Liberty.” 

Thomas  Davis. 

“May  Orange  and  Green  no  longer  be  seen 
Bestain’d  with  the  blood  of  our  Island  ! ” 

Edward  Lysaght. 


full)  3 

“America  is  the  great  teacher  of  the  nations,  and  her 
lessons  will  eventually  lead  the  world.” — Lady  Wilde. 

“ Though  dark  are  our  sorrows,  to-day  we’ll  forget  them. 
And  smile  through  our  tears,  like  a sunbeam  in  showers  ; 
There  never  were  hearts,  if  our  rulers  would  let  them. 
More  form’d  to  be  grateful  and  blest  than  ours  ! 

But  just  when  the  chain 
Has  ceased  to  pain. 

And  hope  has  enwreath’d  it  round  with  flowers, 

There  comes  a new  link. 

Our  spirit  to  sink.” 


Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


141 


I 

Dominion  Day  in  Canada. 


fulu  2 


full)  3 

Cork  Exhibition  opened,  1883. 
Henry  Grattan  born,  1746. 


142 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


4 

Circumstances  are  the  rulers  of  the  weak,  they  are  but 
the  instruments  of  the  wise.” — .Samuel  Lover. 

All  government,  all  exercise  of  power — no  matter  in 
what  form — which  is  not  based  in  love  and  directed  by  know- 
ledge, is  a tyranny.  It  is  not  of  God,  and  shall  not  stand.” 

Mrs.  Jameson. 

“As  well  may  they  strive — but  in  vain — 

To  shackle  the  waves  of  the  sea. 

As  to  try  by  the  force  of  their  might  to  enchain 
Our  deathless  resolve  to  be  free  ! ” 

Eugene  Davis,  in  the  “Nation.” 


fill))  5 

“ The  love  of  praise  and  esteem  may  do  something,  but  to 
make  a true  Patriot  there  must  be  an  inward  sense  of  duty 
and  conscience.” — Bishop  Berkeley. 

“No  rival’s  art  can  win  by  stealth 
That  love  so  frank  and  true.” 

Ross  E.  Trevor. 

“ And  she  is  Irish  heart  and  soul. 

And  longs  for  Ireland’s  Freedom  too.” 

“Artane,”  from  “The  Irishman.” 


5ult?  6 

“Women  govern  us — let  us  try  to  render  them  perfect, 
the  more  so  shall  we  be.  On  the  cultivation  of  the  mind  of 
woman,  depends  the  wisdom  of  man.  It  is  by  woman  that 
Nature  writes  on  their  hearts.” 

Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan. 

“ I’d  mourn  the  hopes  that  leave  me, 

If  thy  smiles  had  left  me  too ; 

I’d  weep  when  friends  deceive  me, 

If  thou  wert  like  them  untrue.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


143 


fulp  4 

American  Independence. 


5 


144 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


5ub  7 

“ Goldsmith  was  generous,  improvident,  and  careless  of 
money  considerations  to  a culpable  extent ; yet  we  must 
remember  that  he  ever  steadily  refused  to  prostitute  his  pen 
to  party,  or  seek  worldly  advantage  or  the  means  of  paying 
his  debts  by  the  sacrifice  of  his  independence.’' 

Alfred  Webb. 

“ Let  all  unite  for  Ireland’s  right. 

And  drown  our  griefs  in  freedom’s  song, 

Till  Time  shall  veil  in  twilight  haze, 

The  memory  of  those  Penal  days.” 

Thomas  Davis. 

5!uln  8 

“ The  forms  of  loveliness  and  strength  revealed  to  the 
inspired  eyes  of  Homer,  when  he  sang  to  shepherds  and 
rude  wayfaring  men,  assumed  a dress  of  ivory  or  marble 
beneath  the  hands  of  Phidias,  and  when  Athens  arose  it  was 
but  an  embodiment  of  the  magnificent  and  consummate 
beauty  which  his  songs  had  rendered  familiar  to  Greece.” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

“ The  youthful  champion  cried, 

‘ Mother  Ireland,  widow’d  bride, 

If  thy  freedom  can  be  won 
By  the  service  of  a son, 

Then  behold  that  son  in  me.’  ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

9 

“ Universities  are,  in  fact,  bound  so  to  shape  their  training 
as  best  to  draw  out  and  encourage  in  their  students  all  those 
qualities  which  go  to  make  the  perfect  citizen  of  a Free 
State.”— John  Dillon. 

“ On  an  Irish  green  hill -side, 

. . . put  no  tombstone  there. 

But  green  sods,  deck’d  with  daisies  fair  ; 

Nor  sods  too  deep,  but  so  that  the  dew 
The  matted  grass-roots  may  trickle  through. 

Be  my  epitaph  writ  on  my  country’s  mind  : 

\ He  served  his  country,  and  loved  his  kind.’ 

Oh  ! ’twere  merry  unto  the  grave  to  go, 

If  one  were  sure  to  be  buried  so.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


145 


Julg  7 


SulB  8 


fnin  9 


L 


146  The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


SuId  10 

“And,  boys,  don’t  forget  poor  old  Ireland  ; don’t  forget 
the  old  people  at  home,  boys.  Sure  they  will  be  counting 
the  days  till  a letter  comes  from  you.  And  they'll  be 
praying  for  you,  and  we  will  all  pray  God  to  be  with  you.” 
Rev.  James  McFadden,  to  the  exiles  of  Glenveih. 

“ And  where  are  her  children,  whose  voices  rose  music- 
wing’d  once  from  this  spot  ? 

And  why  are  the  sweet  bells  now  silent  ? and  where  is  the 
vine-cover’d  cot  ? 

’Tis  morning— no  mass-bell  is  tolling  ; ’tis  noon,  but  no 
Angelus  rings  ; 

’Tis  evening,  but  no  drops  of  melody  rain  from  her  rose- 
colour’d  wings.” — Dems  Fi.orence  MacCarthy. 

5ub  II 

“ At  some  moments,  if  I could,  I would  cease  to  love 
those  who  are  absent  from  me — whose  path  in  life  diverges 
from  mine — with  whom  I am  united  in  the  strongest  bonds 
of  sympathy  while  separated  by  duties  and  interests,  by  space 
and  time.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

‘ ‘ One  of  those  passing,  rainbow  dreams. 

Half  light,  half  shade,  which  Fancy’s  beams 
Paint  on  the  fleeting  mists  that  roll 
In  trance  or  slumber  round  the  soul  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 

“ On  summer  morns  to  hear  the  sweet  birds  sing — 

By  linn  and  lake. 

And  know  your  voice,  your  magic  voice,  could  still — 

A grander  music  wake  ! ” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 


full)  12 

“Nor  is  it  possible  for  any  patriotic  Irishman  to  contrast 
without  emotion  the  tone  which  has  been  adopted  towards 
his  country  by  some  of  the  most  eminent  writers  of  France, 
with  the  studied  depreciation  of  the  Irish  character  by  some 
of  the  most  popular  authors,  and  by  a large  section  of  the 
press  of  England.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Let  the  bitter  past  be  past. 

With  all  its  pain  and  sadness.” 


“ ZOZIMUS. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


147 


SIuIb  10 


3lule  II 


3IuIb  12 


L 2 


148 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


S’ub  13 

“In  no  other  history  can  we  investigate  more  fully  the 
evil  consequences  which  must  ensue  from  disregarding  that 
sentiment  of  Nationality  which,  whether  it  be  desirable  or 
the  reverse,  is  at  least  one  of  the  strongest  and  most  enduring 
of  human  passions.’’ — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ I saw  her  once,  one  little  while,  and  then  no  more  ; 

Earth  look’d  like  heaven,  a little  while,  and  then  no  more  ; 
Her  presence  thrill'd  and  lighted  to  its  inner  core 
My  desert  breast  a little  while,  and  then  no  more  ; 

So  may,  perchance,  a meteor  glance  at  midnight  o'er 
Some  ruin’d  pile  a little  while,  and  then  no  more  ! *’ 

J.  Clarence  Mangan. 


lJulp  14 

“ Hope,  courage,  constancy,  are  the  lessons  taught  by  the 
lives  of  these  martyrs  to  freedom,  and  the  patriotic  spirit 
that  ruled  their  career  is  still  awake  and  active  in  Ireland.” 
“Speeches  from  the  Dock.” 

“ Brothers  thrive  by  brotherhood — 

Trees  in  a stormy  wood — 

Riches  come  from  Nationhood, — 

Shan’t  we  have  our  own  again? 

Munster’s  woe  is  Ulster’s  bane  ! 

Join  for  our  own  again  — 

Tyrants  rob  as  well  as  reign, — 

We’ll  have  our  own  again.” — Thomas  Davis. 


SCuIb  15 

“ Every  human  being  is  born  to  influence  some  other 
human  being  ; or  many,  or  all  human  beings,  in  proportion 
to  the  extent  and  power  of  the  sympathies,  rather  than  of 
the  intellect.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ When  the  passion  and  the  glory 
Of  the  far-off  future  years, 

Shone  in  radiant  light  before  me, 

Through  the  present  dimm’d  by  tears.” 

Lady  Wilde. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


149 


fulp  13 


fule  14 


15 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


150 


Suit?  16 

“ There  is  something  terrible  and  alarming  in  the  moral 
tone  of  a class  of  men  who  loudly  condemn  their  inferiors  for 
sins  to  which  they  have  no  temptation,  and  of  which  they 
are  too  often  indirectly  the  cause,  and  who  condone  freely 
the  far  worse  crimes  of  those  whose  position  should  be  their 
last  excuse  for  the  commission  of  evil.” 

Sister  M.  Francis  Clare. 

“ Oh,  haggard  crowd  ! wild,  wasted,  wandering  flock, 
Truth,  justice,  right,  and  manlike  dignity. 

Is  trampled  in  the  dust  along  with  you. 

Is  there  no  help  for  this  eternal  war 
That  fate  and  laws  and  social  usages 
Still  wage  against  the  poor  ? ” 

‘‘ Speranza  ” (Lady  Wilde). 


5’ult)  17 

“ We  are  generally  accustomed  to  believe  that  the  Irish  of 
Ulster,  in  the  seventeenth  century,  were  ignorant  of  all  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  including,  of  course,  the  management  of 
domesticated  animals.  Our  plantation  records  show  us 
clearly  enough  that  we  have  been  mistaken  to  a veiy  con- 
siderable extent  in  this  conclusion.  Their  knowledge  and 
management  in  such  matters  would  fall  far  short,  to  be  sure, 
of  our  present  requirements ; but,  as  compared  with  their 
neighbours,  whether  English  or  Scottish,  it  is  pretty  evident 
that  the  Irish  of  Ulster  only  wanted  peace  to  enable  them  to 
excel  both,  as  agriculturists.”—  Rev.  George  Hill. 

“ All  for  Ireland,  here  are  we. 

All  for  Ireland’s  Liberty.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


Tub  18 

“ The  frowning  mountain  heads,  and  delicate  purple  dis- 
tances, and  soft  green  levels,  shading  into  the  blue  of  river 
and  lake,  who  can  wonder  at  people  who  live  here  growing 
dreamy,  for  there  is  glamour  over  everything  ? ” 

Annie  Keary  at  Lough  Corrib. 

“ Let  me  join  with  you  the  jubilant  procession, 

Let  me  chant  with  you  her  story.” 

Fanny  Parnell. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


151 


16 


17 


18 


152 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


fulp  19 

“Only  Nature,  speaking  through  no  interpreter,  gently 
steals  us  out  of  our  humanity,  giving  us  a foretaste  of  that 
more  diffused,  disembodied  life  which  may  hereafter  be  ours.” 

Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Sad  eyes  ! why  are  ye  steadfastly  gazing  over  the  sea  ? ” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

‘ ‘ A love  so  pure 

That  not  a taint  of  selfishness  was  near, 

‘ They  beckon  me  ! ’ she  said  ‘ I come  ! I come  ! ^ ” 

John  Crawford  Wilson. 


fulB  20 

“ We  think  if  the  mother  were  heeded  oftener,  there 
would  be  more  good  men  in  the  world  than  there  are  at 
present.” — R.  B.  Sheridan. 

“ Oh  ! mayest  thou,  if  permitted,  from  above 
The  starry  sphere, 

Encompass  me  with  ever  during  love. 

As  thou  didst  here  ; 

Still  be  my  guardian  spirit,  lest  I be 

Unworthy  thee  ! ” — ^John  F.  Murray. 

“ And  as  I watch  the  line  of  light  that  plays 

Along  the  smooth  wave  toward  the  burning  west, 

I long  to  tread  that  golden  path  of  rays. 

And  think  ’twould  lead  to  some  bright  isle  of  rest ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


3'ub  21 

‘‘  ‘ I’m  sorry  for  your  trouble.’  ‘ Thank  ye,  and  kindly 
too,’  she  replied.  ‘ The  Lord’s  hand  is  heavy  on  us  both.’  ” 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall’s  “ Ireland.” 

“ So  the  lights  in  thy  windows  are  darken’d, — 

Wide  windows  to  east  and  to  west — 

And  the  quiet  forget-me-not  blossoms 
With  heartseases  over  thy  breast. 

And  grief  is  assuaged  by  the  whisper 
That  thou  art  asleep  and  at  rest.” 

William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


153 


fulp  19 


20 


3^ulp  21 


154 


The  Irish  Birthdav-Booh. 


S^Ult)  22 

“ He  died,  as  a patriot  might  wish  to  die,  crowned  wdth 
honours  and  with  years,  with  the  love  of  friends  and  the 
admiration  of  opponents,  leaving  a nation  to  deplore  his  loss, 
and  not  an  enemy  to  obscure  his  fame.” 

W.  E.  H.  Lecky  on  “ Grattan.” 

“ Oh  ! why  did  you  leave  us,  Eoghan?  why  did  you  die? 
Your  troubles  are  all  over,  you’re  at  rest  with  God  on  high  ! 
But  we’re  slaves,  and  we’re  orphans,  Eoghan  ! — why  did 
you  die?”  Thomas  Davis. 

‘ ‘ Sarsfield  is  dying  on  Landen’s  plain  ; 

His  corslet  met  the  ball  in  vain — 

As  his  life-blood  gushes  into  his  hand, 

He  says,  ‘ Oh  ! that  this  was  for  fatherland  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


5"ulti  23 

“Take  the  statute-book  of  England,  read  over  without 
note  or  comment  the  laws  prevailing  throughout  that  time, 
and  say  whether  the  utmost  stretch  of  ingenuity,  or  the 
deepest  depth  of  demoniacal  passion,  ever  produced  anything 
to  outstrip  that  code.”— A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“To  God  there  is  fragment  none  : nothing  single ; no  isolation : 
The  ages  to  Him  are  one  ; round  Him,  the  woe  and  the 
wrong 

Roll  like  a spiritual  star,  and  the  cry  of  the  desolate  Nation: — 
The  souls  that  are  under  the  altar  respond  in  music, 
‘How  long?’”  Aubrey  De  Vere. 


“Julr)  24 

“Tell  the  Catholics,  if  I cannot  speak,  I can  pray  for 
them  ; I shall  then  die  contented.  . . . God  gave  me  talents 
to  be  of  use  to  my  country,  and  if  I lose  my  life  in  her 
service,  it  is  a good  death.” — Henry  Grattan. 

“ Erin  ! loved  land  ! from  age  to  age 
Be  thou  more  great,  more  famed,  and  free.” 

James  Orr. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book.  155 
fub  22 

Patrick  Sarsfield  died,  1693. 


23 


!5!ult)  24 


The  Irish  Birthday-Boor, 


156 


3tuie  25 

“ If  I can’t  unite  with  my  fellow-countryman  in  believing 
what  he  believes,  or  rather  to  pare  down  my  belief  till  it 
comes  to  nothing  to  suit  him — am  I therefore  to  say  to  him, 
‘ Stand  aside  am  I therefore  to  say  to  him,  ‘ We  have  no 
common  country.  I have  nothing  in  common  with  you  ’ ? 
Oh,  no!” — Very  Rev.  Thomas  N.  Burke. 

“ Pulse  of  my  heart,  draw  nearer,  nearer  ; 

The  world  may  darken  as  it  will. 

But  time  shall  only  make  thee  dearer : 

Let  me  clasp  thee  closer  still  ! 

Now,  by  our  own  bright  hearth  together. 

In  tranquil  joy  we  sit  at  last.  ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


26 

St.  Patrick  found  the  Irish  mind  much  better  prepared, 
by  its  comparative  civilization  and  refinement,  to  receive  the 
truths  of  Christianity,  than  that  of  any  other  nation  in  Europe 
outside  imperial  Rome.  The  Irish  were  always — then  as 
they  are  now — pre-eminently  a reverential  people,  and  thus 
were  peculiarly  susceptible  of  religious  truth.” 

A.  M.  Sullivan. 

‘ ‘ Let  Britain  boast  her  British  hosts, 

About  them  all  right  little  care  we  ; 

Not  British  seas  nor  British  coasts 
Can  match  the  man  of  Tipperary  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


S^uli)  27 

“ His  (Mr.  Mill’s)  observations  on  the  Irish  land  tenure 
system,  and  the  condition  of  Ireland  generally,  had  filled  the 
hearts  of  many  Irishmen  with  delight  and  wonder.” 

Justin  McCarthy. 

“ And  under  our  wall  that  was  built  of  books. 

The  air  was  lit  with  a lady’s  looks. 

“ A muse-like  being,  she  held  herself, 

As  tall  as  I by  the  mantel-shelf, 

While  Charlie  sat  in  a place  apart, 

Holding  us  both  in  his  inmost  heart.” 

William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


157 


fultt  25 


fills  26 


f uls  27 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


^58 


Sub  28 

“ Untimely  ? Was  it,  after  all,  untimely  ? Since  when  has 
it  not  been  held  the  crown  of  a great  career  that  the  hero 
dies  at  the  moment  of  accomplished  victory  ? ” 

Justin  McCarthy. 

“ O,  God  bless  the  dear,  dear  College  ! 

And  my  dear  wild  bright  compeers, 

Who  guess’d  not  my  thought  as  I faced  them 
With  eyes  on  fire  with  tears  : 

For  1 thought  of  a voice  that  echo’d 
Beside  me  oft  in  that  hall, 

And  the  silent  grave-mould  sinking 
On  the  dearest  face  of  them  all.” 

William  Wilkins. 

Sub  29 

“ We  Irish  are  no  race  of  assassins  or  ‘ glorifiers  of  murder.’ 
From  the  most  remote  ages,  in  all  centuries,  it  has  been  told 
of  our  people  that  they  were  pre-eminently  a justice-loving 
people.” — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ Farewell,  oh,  sweet  singer  ! thy  voice  has  departed, 

But  its  echoes  will  live  in  the  souls  of  the  true. 

To  gladden  and  guide,  until  Erin,  brave-hearted, 

Shall  sing  the  first  paean  of  her  freedom  for  you.” 
“In  Memoriam,”  by  P.  M,  II . 
“Joys  from  some  serener  star. 

And  heavenly-hued  illusions  gleaming  from  afar.” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

S’ub  30 

“ Grattan  will  teach  you  to  avoid  hating  men  on  account  of 
their  religious  professions  or  hereditary  descent.  From  him  you 
will  learn  principles  which,  if  carried  out,  would  generate  a 
new  state  of  society  in  Ireland.” — Daniel  Owen  Madden. 
“ While  she,  far  up  the  steep  ascent, 

Is  compass’d  round  with  light  sublime. 

Future  and  Past  together  blent 

In  God’s  own  wondrous  Present  time  j 
No  sorrow  on  her  radiant  brow. 

She  weeps  not  e’en  our  tears  to  see, 

For  present  to  her  vision  now 

Is  the  glad  meeting  that  shall  be.” 

S,  M.  S.,  in  “The  Irish  Monthly.” 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


^59 


31ulp  28 


29 


3-ulp  30 

Eugene  O 'Curry  died,  1862. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


1 6o 


31 

“ Ireland  has,  in  times  past,  contributed  more  than  her  due 
share  of  the  public  burdens  ; she  is  still  paying  more  than  a 
fair  proportion  ; and  of  the  large  revenue  raised  in  Ireland, 
not  one-half  is  expended  at  home.” — John  Blake  Dillon. 

“ I know  the  peril  ; I have  lost 

Ancestral  lands  and  castles  fair  ; 

Tve  paid  down  all  the  strife  can  cost 
Except  my  life,  and  that  I dare, 

From  day  to  day  for  Ireland’s  sake ; 

I choose  again  the  patriot’s  part, 

And  freely  bid  my  country  take 

The  last  red  life-drop  from  my  heart.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i6i 


Sulp  31 


M 


AUGUST. 


‘ And  statesman  sits  puzzled  by  statesman, 

And  the  grand  royal  battle-hounds  gloat, 

For  the  nations  stand  arm’d  in  the  darkness, 

And  wonder  if  God  taketh  note 
Of  all  the  hands  fill’d  with  leash’d  thunders. 

Of  all  the  swords  bent  at  each  throat ! ” 

William  Wilkins 


‘ And  now  in  heaven  rise  the  stars, 

And  o’er  the  hill  the  misty  moon  ; 

The  ocean  sounds  along  the  bars 

And  sands,  and  sets  the  night-tide  soon  ; 

Light  gleams  across  the  fields,  and  through 
The  old  wood  creeps  the  evening  damp— 

Let's  draw  the  curtains  and,  anew. 

Kindle  the  kindly  fireside  lamp  ! 

For  this  is  the  Autumn  yellow  ; 

Our  hearts  like  the  fruits  are  mellow  : 

Sing,  spirit  bright,  of  the  fading  light. 

For  this  is  the  Autumn  yellow  ! ” 

William  Tvvamley 


M 2 


164 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


August  I 

“ Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  abstract  merits  of  the 
arrangement,  the  Union,  as  it  was  carried,  was  a crime  of  the 
deepest  turpitude — a crime  which,  by  imposing,  with  every 
circumstance  of  infamy,  a new  form  of  government  on  a 
reluctant  and  protesting  nation,  has  vitiated  the  whole  course 
of  Irish  opinion.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ Could  the  chain  for  a moment  be  riven 
Which  Tyranny  flung  round  us  then — 

Oh  ! ’tis  not  in  man,  nor  in  Heaven, 

To  let  Tyranny  bind  it  again  ! 

“ But  ’tis  past ; and  though  blazon’d  in  story 
The  name  of  our  victor  may  be, 

Accurst  is  the  march  of  that  glory 

Which  treads  o’er  the  hearts  of  the  free  ! ” 
Thomas  Moore. 

'august  2 

“ The  world  knows  little  of  the  toil  of  the  discoverer.  It 
sees  the  climber  jubilant  on  the  mountain-top,  but  does  not 
know  the  labour  expended  in  reaching  it.” — ^JOHN  Tyndall. 
‘ ‘ Oh  ! see  your  quailing  tyrant  run 

To  courteous  lies  and  Roman  agents  ; 

His  terror,  lest  Dungannon’s  sun 

Should  rise  again  with  riper  radiance. 

Oh  ! hark  the  Freeman’s  welcome  cheer. 

And  hark  your  brother  sufferers  sobbing  ; 

Oh  ! mark  the  universe  grow  clear. 

And  mark  your  spirit’s  royal  throbbing, — 

’Tis  Freedom’s  God  that  sends  such  signs  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 

august  3 

“ There  is  not  a nation  in  the  habitable  globe  which  has 
advanced  in  cultivation  and  commerce,  in  agriculture  and 
manufactures,  with  the  same  rapidity  in  the  same  period  ” 
(from  1782).— Lord  Clare,  in  1798. 

“ Thou  who  hast  left,  as  in  a sacred  shrine — 

What  shrine  more  pure  than  thy  unspotted  page  ? — 
The  priceless  relics,  as  a heritage. 

Of  loftiest  thoughts  and  lessons  most  divine, 

Poet  and  teacher  of  sublimest  lore.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


165 


'August  I 


'August  2 


^lugust  3 

William  Rowan  Hamilton  born,  1805. 


i66 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


“August  4 

“ Ah ! fatal  hour  for  my  prosecutors  when  they  appealed  to 
history  ! For  assuredly,  that  is  the  tribunal  that  will  vindicate 
the  Irish  people.’’ — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ Oh,  sorrowful  fair  land  ! shall  we  not  love  thee, 

Whom  thou  hast  cradled  on  thy  bounteous  breast  ? 
Though  all  unstarr’d  and  dark  the  clouds  above  thee. 
Thy  children  shall  arise  and  call  thee  blest. 

Never  our  lips  can  name  thee,  mother,  coldly, 

Nor  our  ears  hear  thy  sweet,  sad  name  unmoved  ; 

And  if  from  deeper  pain  our  arms  might  fold  thee. 

Were  it  not  well  with  us,  oh  best  beloved  ! ” 

Katharine  Tynan. 


August  5 

“ A talent  for  reciting  was  one  of  the  first  which  my 
mother’s  own  tastes  led  her  to  encourage  and  cultivate  in  me, 
and  to  the  last  moment  of  her  life  she  took  a zealous  interest 
in  the  popular  politics  of  the  day.” — Thomas  Moore’s 
Autobiography. 

“ Like  a swan  on  the  billows,  she  moved  in  her  grace, 
Snow-white  were  her  limbs,  and  with  beauty  replete, 
And  time  on  that  pure  brow  had  left  no  more  trace 
Than  if  he  had  sped  with  her  own  fairy  feet.” 

John  O’Neachtan  (1695). 


'August  6 

‘‘  gratitude  to  the  manufacturers  will  be  evinced  if  I 
can  awake  the  people  of  Ireland  to  hope  for  a Repeal  of  the 
Union  ! If  they  once  entertain  hope,  success  will  be  neither 
remote  nor  difficult.  . . . Ireland  may  become  a Nation 
again,  if  we  all  sacrifice  our  parricidal  passions,  prejudices, 
and  resentments  on  the  altar  of  our  country.  Then  shall 
your  manufacturers  flourish,  and  Ireland  be  free.” — Daniel 
O’Connell. 

A glorious  triumph  ! a deathless  deed  ! — 

Shall  the  hero  rest  and  his  work  half  done  ? 

Is  it  enough  to  enfranchize  a creed, 

When  a Nation’s  freedom  may  yet  be  won  ?” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


167 


'August  4 


'august  5 


'august  6 

Daniel  O’Connell  born,  1775. 


i68 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


August  7 

“ The  interest  of  Cobden  was  not  in  scenery,  or  in  art,  or 
in  ruins,  but  in  men.  He  studied  the  condition  of  countries 
with  a view  to  the  manner  in  which  it  affected  the  men  and 
women  of  the  present,  and  through  them  was  likely  to  affect 
the  future.  On  everything  that  he  saw  he  turned  a quick 
an  1 intelligent  eye  ; and  he  saw  for  himself  and  thought  for 
himself.” — ^JusTiN  McCarthy. 

“ Speechless  ! ay,  speechless,  for  their  Gaelic  tongue 
Is  dead  ; as  wanderers  from  some  far-off  age, 

They  strike  the  shores  of  human  life,  to  wage 
A too  unequal  fight  with  toil  and  wrong.” 

“ The  Assisted  Emigrants,”  by  Charlotte 
G.  O’Brien. 


August  8 

“He  who  tramples  on  the  past  does  not  create  for  the 
future.  We  ask  Irishmen  to  find  other  quarries  than  churches, 
abbeys,  castles,  and  cairns  — to  bring  rusted  arms  to  a collector, 
and  coins  to  a museum,  and  not  to  iron  or  gold  smiths.  We 
talk  much  of  old  Ireland,  and  plunder  and  ruin  all  that 
remains  of  it  —we  neglect  its  language,  fiddle  with  its  ruins, 
and  spoil  its  monuments.” — Thomas  Davis. 

“ Our  kings  sat  of  old  in  Emania  and  Tara  ? 

Those  new  kings,  whence  are  they?  their  names  are  unknown  ! 

Our  saints  lie  entomb’d  in  Ardmagh  and  Cilldara.” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


August  9 

“ As  life  holds  together  the  bodies  of  animals,  the  cause 
whereof  is  the  soul,  and  as  a city  is  held  together  by  concord, 
the  cause  whereof  is  law,  even  so  the  world  is  held  together 
by  harmony,  the  cause  whereof  is  God.” — Bishop  Berkeley’s 
“ Siris.” 

“ 111  fares  the  land,  to  hastening  ills  a prey, 

Where  wealth  accumulates  and  men  decay  : 

Princes  and  lords  may  flourish  or  may  fade  ; 

A breath  can  make  them,  as  a breath  has  made  ; 

But  a bold  peasantry,  their  country’s  pride, 

When  once  destroy’d,  can  never  be  supplied.” 

Oliver  Goldsmith. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


169 


'August  7 


'August  8 


'August  9 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


1 70 


'august  10 

‘‘For  my  own  part,  I have  long  made  it  a scrupulous  duty 
not  to  wear  anything  that  was  not  Irish ; and  if  you  will 
sanction  so  humble  an  example  by  your  imitation,  you  will 
confer  wealth  and  content  upon  those  who,  in  their  turn,  will 
powerfully  aid  you  in  the  pursuit  of  your  liberties.” 

Daniel  O’Connell. 

“What  joy  to  fly  upon  the  white-crested  sea,  and  watch 
the  waves  break  upon  the  Irish  shore.  . . . From  the  high 
prow  I look  over  the  sea,  and  great  tears  are  in  my  eyes 
when  I turn  to  Erin.” — St.  Columba. 

“ The  tired  child  lies  down  to  rest, 

His  latest  look  of  consciousness 
Resting  on  all  his  heart  holds  best 

And  dearest.”  M.  J.  Serrano. 

'August  II 

“An  honourable  forbearance  towards  those  who  censure 
us,  a generous  respect  towards  those  who  differ  from  us,  will 
do  much  to  diminish  the  difficulties  that  impede  our  progress. 
Let  us  cherish  the  rights  of  all  our  fellow-countrymen.” 

Thomas  Francis  Meagher. 

“ Some  minstrel  will  come  in  the  summer  eve’s  gleaming. 
When  Freedom’s  young  light  on  his  spirit  is  beaming. 

To  bend  o’er  my  grave  with  a tear  of  emotion. 

Where  calm  Avonbuce  seeks  the  kisses  of  ocean.  ” 

“ Spirit  of  the  Nation,”  J.  J.  Callanan. 
(Duffy,  Publisher.) 


August  12 

“You  have  formed  a wrong  conception  of  the  character  of 
Achilles  ! Mr.  Gladstone  says  : ‘Ferocity  is  an  element  in 
his  character,  but  is  not,  as  has  been  sometimes  supposed, 
its  base.  Indulged  against  the  Greeks,  it  is  an  exaggerated 
reaction,  such  as  may  be  found  in  very  fine  7iaturest  agamst 
a foul  mjusticey  heightened  with  a number  of  surrounding 
aggravations.^  How  much  more  just  Englishmen  would  be 
to  us  if  they  would  study  that  sentence,  and  for  ‘ Achilles  ’ 
read  ‘ Irish.’  ” — Anonymous. 

“ So  moved  the  blue-eyed  queen  ; her  words  persuade — 
Great  Jove  assented,  and  the  rest  obey’d  !” 

Thomas  Parnell. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


171 


'August  10 


August  II 

Catherine  Hayes  died,  1861. 


August  12 


172 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


'August  13 

The  old  reproach  that  we  are  a discontented  people  we 
acknowledge  true  with  pride  and  satisfaction — we  should  be 
fallen  indeed  if  it  were  not  so!” — “Ireland”  in  “Living 
Lives.” 

“By  the  laws  of  God,  of  nature,  of  nations,  and  of  your 
country,  you  are,  and  ought  to  be,  as  free  a people  as  your 
brethren  in  England.” — Dean  Swift. 

“ Far  dearer  the  grave  or  the  prison 
Illumed  by  one  patriot  name, 

Than  the  trophies  of  all  who  have  risen 

On  Liberty’s  ruins  to  fame  ! ” — Thomas  Moore. 

'August  14 

“ No  monument  to  O’Connell  can  be  complete  till  it  has 
been  ratified  by  the  solemn  act  of  a free  and  independent 
Irish  Legislature.” — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ ‘ No  ! not  for  me,  nor  for  mine  alone  !’ 

The  generous  victim  cried,  * have  I fought  ; 

But  to  see  my  Eire  again  on  her  throne  ; 

Ah,  that  was  my  dream  and  my  guiding  thought. 

To  see  my  Eire  again  on  her  throne, 

Her  tresses  with  lilies  and  shamrocks  twined. 

Her  sever’d  sons  to  a nation  grown, 

Her  hostile  hues  in  one  flag  combined  ; 

Her  wisest  gather’d  in  grave  debate.’  ” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 

August  15 

“ When  England  had  got  a decisive  start — when  her 
manufactures  were  firmly  established,  and  she  had  complete 
control  of  the  market — Ireland  was  ‘ put  on  a footing  of  per- 
fect equality.*  The  result  was  such  as  might  have  been,  and 
probably  was,  foreseen.” — William  Dillon. 

“ Fruitful  our  soil,  where  honest  men  starve  ; 

Empty  the  mart,  and  shipless  the  bay ; 

Out  of  our  want  the  oligarchs  carve  ; 

Foreigners  fatten  on  our  decay  ! 

Disunited,  therefore  blighted, 

Ruin’d  and  rent  by  the  Englishman’s  sway. 

Party  and  creed  for  once  have  agreed — 

Orange  and  Green  will  carry  the  day  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


173 


'August  13 


'August  14 


August  15 

Dublin  Exhibition  opened,  1882. 


174 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


August  i6 

“We  aim  at  the  ideal  which  O’Connell  placed  before  us, 
and  I agree  with  Mr.  Parnell  in  thinking  that  the  last  few 
years  have  shown  solid  progress.” — E.  D.  Gray,  High  Sheriff. 
“ Can  treason  spring  from  out  a soil  bedew’d  with  martyrs’ 
blood  ? 

Or  has  that  grown  a purling  brook  which  long  rush’d 
down  a flood  ? 

By  Desmond  swept  with  sword  and  fire, — by  clan  and 
keep  laid  low, — 

By  silken  Thomas  and  his  kin, — by  sainted  Edward  ! No  ! 

The  forms  of  centuries  rise  up,  and  in  the  Irish  line 

Co?m7iand  their  son  to  take  the  post  that  fits  the  Geraldine  D' 

Thomas  Davis. 


August  17 

“ While  opposing  a fearless  front  to  the  Government,  let 
us  be  careful  not  to  afford  them  any  colourable  excuse  for 
invading  our  constitutional  rights.  Let  us,  as  we  hope  to 
leave  a free  and  happy  land  to  our  children,  avoid  such 
disgraceful  scenes  of  riot  and  plunder  as  have  recently 
occurred  in  London,  Edinburgh,  and  Glasgow.” 

John  Blake  Dillon,  in  1848. 

“ God  be  with  the  Iri.sh  host ; 

Never  be  their  battle  lost  ! 

For  in  battle  never  yet 

Have  they  basely  earn’d  defeat.” 

Sir  Samuel  Ferguson. 

August  18 

“ History  will  record  in  letters  of  gold  the  noble  part  these 
men  played  in  bringing  to  a crisis  that  terrible  land  system 
which,  like  some  fabled  dragon,  was  devouring  the  people  of 
this  country.” — Dublin  Freeman’s  Journal.” 

“No  lapse  of  time,  as  on  it  rolls. 

Shall  make  those  hopes  decay  ; 

The  light  that  cheer’d  our  fathers’  souls 
Shines  full  on  us  to-day. 

The  end  they  sought,  and  strove,  and  fought 

‘ To  gain,  is  now  in  view  ; 

But  hear  our  words,  ye  foreign  lords, 

No  thanks  for  that  to  you  !” 


T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


175 


'August  i6 

Messrs.  Parnell  and  Dillon  received  the  Freedom  of  the  City 
of  Dublin,  1882. 


August  17 


August  18 

Earl  of  Charlemont  born,  1728. 


176 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


August  19 

“ When  Tennyson  makes  Ulysses  say,  ‘ I am  a part  of 
all  that  I have  seen,’  it  ought  to  be  rather  the  converse, — 
‘ What  I have  seen  becomes  a part  of  me.  ’ ” — Mrs.  Jameson. 
His  kiss  is  sweet,  his  word  is  kind, 

His  love  is  rich  to  me  ; 

I could  not  in  a palace  find 
A truer  heart  than  he. 

The  eagle  shelters  not  his  nest 
From  hurricane  and  hail, 

More  bravely  than  he  guards  my  breast, 

The  Boatman  of  Kinsale.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


August  20 

“ We  are  entitled  to  ask  for  some  explanation  of  why  our 
city  (Dublin)  has  not  made  that  progress  which  we  had  every 
reason  to  expect,  and  which  she  was  in  course  of  making 
when  the  Act  of  Union  was  passed.” — ^JOHN  Dillon. 

“ Oh,  that  I stood  upon  some  lofty  tower. 

Before  the  gather’d  people  face  to  face. 

That  like  God’s  thunder  might  my  words  of  power 
Roll  down  the  cry  of  Freedom  to  its  base  !” 

“ Speranza,”  Lady  Wilde. 


August  21 

**  By  looking  into  physical  causes,  our  minds  are  opened 
and  enlarged ; and  in  this  pursuit,  whether  we  take  or 
whether  we  love  the  game,  the  chase  is  certainly  of  service.  ” 

Edmund  Burke. 

“ When  I have  knelt  in  the  temple  of  Duty, 

Worshipping  honour  and  valour  and  beauty — 

When,  like  a brave  man,  in  fearless  resistance, 

I have  fought  the  good  fight  on  the  field  of  existence  ; 
When  a home  I have  won  in  the  conflict  of  labour. 

With  truth  for  my  armour,  and  thought  for  my  sabre, 

Be  that  home  a calm  home  where  my  old  age  may  rally, 

A home  full  of  peace  in  this  sweet,  pleasant  valley  ! 

May  the  accents  of  love,  like  the  droppings  of  manna, 

Fall  sweet  on  my  head  in  the  Vale  of  Shanganah  !” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


177 


'August  19 


'August  20 


'augujst  21 


178 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


'August  22 

“A  generation  had  grown  from  youth  to  manhood  who 
had  been  taught  to  cherish  scrupulous  veracity  and  unselfish- 
ness, and  to  whom  it  was  a moral  impossibility  to  be  dupes 
or  mutes.”— Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

“ Oh,  let  me  glance  a moment  through  the  coming  crowd  of 
years, 

Their  triumphs  or  their  failures,  their  sunshine  or  their 
tears ; 

How  poor  or  great  may  be  my  fate,  I care  not  what  betide, 
So  peace  and  love  may  hallow  thee,  my  own  fireside  ! ” 
Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


August  23 

“ Only  the  being  I love  has  the  power  to  give  me  pain  or 
inspire  me  with  fear ; only  those  in  whose  love  I believe 
have  the  power  to  injure  me.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Rest,  rest ! the  glory  of  thy  life 
Shines  like  tradition  on  the  strife 
Which  Ireland  wages  hour  by  hour, 

Patient,  yet  daring  for  the  best. 

And  growing  up,  as  worlds  attest. 

To  freedom,  majesty,  and  power.” 

John  Francis  O’donnell. 


August  24 

‘ ‘ How  wonderful  is  this  love  of  which  we  human  beings 
are  capable  ! How  boundless  must  be  the  source  from  which 
it  springs  1 Cannot  you  realize  the  great  motive  power  it 
must  be  throughout  the  spiritual  universe,  just  as  the  sun  is 
throughout  the  material  universe?” — Anonymous. 

“ O’er  the  waves  of  a life  long  benighted  and  wild, 

Thou  earnest,  like  a soft  golden  calm  o’er  the  sea  ; 

And,  if  happiness  purely'  and  glowingly  smiled 
On  his  evening  horizon,  the  light  was  from  thee.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


179 


"August  22 


'August  23 


?lugu»t  24 


8o 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


August  25 

“ O’Connell  perceived  clearly  that  the  tendency  of  affairs 
in  pAirope  was  towards  the  recognition  of  the  principle  that 
a nation’s  will  is  the  one  legitimate  rule  of  its  government.” 

W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ A,  youth  to  manhood  growing, 

With  dark  brown  curls  flowing, 

O’er  brow  and  temples  glowing, 

I came  across  the  sea  ; 

And  now  my  head  is  hoary. 

But,  land  of  song  and  story. 

Green  isle  of  ancient  glory, 

My  heart  is  still  with  thee  ! ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


August  26 

“ We  can  sometimes  love  what  we  do  not  understand,  but 
it  is  impossible  completely  to  understand  what  we  do  not 
love.”— Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ ’Twas  a new  feeling,  something  more 
Than  we  had  dared  to  own  before. 

Which  then  we  hid  not ; 

We  saw  it  in  each  other’s  eye. 

And  wish’d  in  every  half-breathed  sigh 
To  speak—  but  did  not  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


'August  27 

“Too  late.  The  treaty  is  signed  ; our  honour  is  pledged — 
the  honour  of  Irelarid.  Though  a hundred  thousand  French- 
men offered  to  aid  us  now,  we  must  keep  our  plighted  troth  ! ” 

Patrick  Sarsfield. 

“ Oh,  hurrah  ! for  the  men  who,  when  danger  is  nigh, 

Are  found  in  the  front,  looking  death  in  the  eye. 
Hurrah  ! for  the  men  who  kept  Limerick’s  wall. 

And  hurrah  ! for  bold  Sarsfield,  the  bravest  of  all  ” 

Thomas  Davis. 

‘ ‘ Long  may  the  fair  and  brave 
Sigh  o’er  the  hero’s  grave  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


i8i 


August  25 


'August  26 


August  27 

The  Battle  of  Limerick,  1690. 


i82 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


“August  28 

“America  sent  us  money,  thought,  love — she  made  herself 
a part  of  Ireland  in  her  passions  and  her  organization.  . . . 
To  all  earth  we  proclaimed  our  wrongs.  To  man  and  God 
we  made  oath  that  we  would  never  cease  to  strive  till  an 
Irish  Nation  stood  supreme  on  this  island.  . . . The  future 
shall  realize  the  promise  of  the  past.” — Thomas  Davis. 

“ That  voice ! To  earth  it  stoop’d  as  a cloud  to  the  ocean  flood : 
It  had  ascended  in  sighs  from  the  anguish’d  heart  of  a nation ; 
The  musical  echo  came  back  from  the  boundless  bosom  of 
God.”  Aubrey  de  Vere. 


August  29 

“ The  impression  on  the  minds  of  the  people  is,  that  there 
is  no  law  but  the  will  of  the  magistrate  ; in  fact,  they  were 
obliged  to  put  themselves  under  his  patronage,  like  the  old 
Patroniet  Clientesoi the  Romans.” — Rev.  Michael  Collins. 

* ‘ My  home  was  in  thy  trusting  heart. 

Where’er  thou  wert ; 

My  happy  home  in  thy  confiding  breast, 

Where  my  worn  spirit  refuge  found  and  rest. 

I know  not  if  thou  wast  most  fair 
And  best  of  womankind, 

Or  whether  earth  yet  beareth  fruit  more  rare 
Of  heart  and  mind  ; 

To  me  I know  thou  wert  the  fairest,  kindest,  dearest.” 

John  F.  Murry. 

'august  30 

“These  hills  are  neither  grand  nor  impressive,  but  hold  in 
their  tranquil  bosom  all  the  charm  and  influence  of  home  ; 
all  the  quiet  blessedness  of  strong,  firm,  undemonstrative 
love  ; all  the  delicate  shades  and  variations  of  some  nervous 
woman’s  beauty,  to  which  our  eyes  have  become  familiarized 
by  long  and  fond  and  unconscious  study  ; just  as  vividly  as 
on  her  face  the  emotions  play,  do  the  tones  of  sunlight  and 
shade,  of  gloom  and  storm,  of  heat  and  cold,  of  rain  and  dew, 
play  on  those  homely,  friendly  hills.” — Hannah  Lynch. 

“ The  wind  had  died  upon  the  ocean’s  breast. 

When,  like  a silvery  vein  through  the  dark  ore, 

A smooth,  bright  current,  gliding  to  the  west. 

Bore  our  light  bark  to  that  enchanted  shore.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book.  183 


'August  28 


'August  29 


August  30 


184 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


?lu0ust  31 

“ Whatever  be  my  fate,  I shall  be  happy,  whilst  I live,  in 
reviving  amongst  you  the  love  and  admiration  of  your  native 
land,  and  in  calling  upon  Irishmen — no  matter  how  they 
may  worship  their  common  God — to  sacrifice  every  con- 
temptible prejudice  on  the  altar  of  their  common  country.’* 

Daniel  O’Connell. 

‘ ‘ With  liberty  there  came 
Wit,  eloquence,  and  fame  ; 

Our  feuds  went  like  mists  from  the  dawn.  ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book,  185 


August  31 


SEPTEMBER. 


ON  AMERICA. 

“ In  happy  climes,  the  seat  of  innocence, 

Where  nature  guides  and  virtue  rules  ; 

Where  men  shall  not  impose  for  truth  and  sense 
The  pedantry  of  courts  and  schools. 

“There  shall  be  sung  another  golden  age. 

The  rise  of  empire  and  of  arts, 

The  good  and  great  inspiring  epic  rage, 

The  wisest  heads  and  noblest  hearts. 

“ Not  such  as  Europe  breeds  in  her  decay— 

Such  as  she  bred  when  fresh  and  young, 

When  heavenly  flame  did  animate  her  clay, 

By  future  poets  shall  be  sung. 

“ Westward  the  course  of  empire  takes  its  way. 

The  four  first  acts  already  past  ; 

A fifth  .shall  close  the  drama  with  the  day — 

Time’s  noblest  offspring  is  the  last.” 

Bishop  Berkei.ky. 


i88 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


September  i 

“ No  power  on  earth  can  suppress  the  land  movement,  save 
the  defection  and  cowardice  of  the  people  ; so  long  as  they 
are  true  to  themselves  and  loyal  to  each  other,  and  maintain 
the  attitude  of  passive  resistance  recommended  by  their 
leaders,  the  movement  cannot  be  put  down.  Let  them  be 
peaceful,  and  abstain  from  anything  in  the  shape  of  violence 
or  outrage.” — ^J.  E.  Redmond. 

**  Then  forward,  men  of  Erin  ! 

Our  martyrs  plead  for  you  ! 

Be  patient  and  enduring — 

Be  earnest,  brave,  and  true  !”  — “ The  Nation.” 


September  2 

**  Having  stated  that  ‘ the  masses  of  the  Irish  people  have 
no  more  control  over  the  Government  under  which  they  live 
than  they  have  over  the  process  of  the  sun’s,*  Mr.  Henry 
George  proceeds  to  prove  that  proposition  by  detailing  the 
facts  as  to  the  manner  in  which  the  affairs  of  every  branch  of 
the  public  business  in  Ireland  are  administered.” 

“ The  Nation.” 

“ Be  united,  be  as  one; 

Good  and  true  men  live  to  finish 

What  our  fathers  have  begun.” — Anonymous. 


September  3 

Music  was  an  essential  part  of  the  education  of  the 
Greeks,  as  of  the  ancient  Irish  ; it  was  believed  to  have  an 
influence,  not  only  on  the  minds,  but  also  on  the  bodies  of 
men ; and  it  was  supposed  that  even  the  motions  of  the 
heavenly  bodies  and  the  operations  of  the  mind  are  subject 
to  the  laws  of  Harmony.” — “ Irish  Penny  Magazine.” 

“Yes,  in  thy  hands,  illustrious  son. 

The  harp  shall  speak  once  more. 

Its  sweet  lament  shall  rippling  run 
From  listening  shore  to  shore. 

“ And  plains  where  rushing  rivers  flow — 

Fit  emblems  of  the  free — 

Shall  learn  to  know  of  Ireland’s  woe. 

And  Ireland’s  weal  through  thee.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


189 


, September  i 

John  E.  Redmond  bom. 


September  2 


Scpiembcr  3 

William  Sharman  Crawford  born,  1780. 


190 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


September  4 

“ But  young  as  he  was,  those  who  knew  him  best  had  felt 
that  if  he  lived  he  would  some  day  contribute  to  Irish  public 
life  a spirit  as  bold,  and  a soul  as  pure,  as  ever  served  the 
Irish  cause.” — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ Double-fountain’d  was  his  blood, 

A Gaelic  spring,  a Norman  flood  ! 

To  his  bosom  Truth  he  folded 
With  a youthful  lover’s  zeal  : 

God’s  great  Justice  seem’d  he,  moulded 
In  a statued  shape  of  steel  ! ” 

“ The  Irish  Norman,”  by  Aubrey  de  Vere. 


September  5 

“ The  bread  f life  is  love  ; the  salt  of  life  is  work ; the 
sweetness  of  life,  poesy  ; the  water  of  life,  faith.  ” 

Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Let  not  the  holy  promise  of  to-day 

Fade  like  the  clouds  that  with  the  morn  have  birth. 
But  ever  bright  and  sacred  may  it  be. 

Stored  in  the  treasure  cell  of  memory.” 

Anonymous. 

“ Playful  she  turn’d,  that  he  might  see 
The  passing  smile  her  cheek  put  on ; 

But  when  she  mark’d  how  mournfully 
His  eyes  met  hers,  that  smile  was  gone.” 

ThoxMas  Moore. 


September  6 

“ The  English  are  grateful  for  benefits  to  self,  the  Irish 
are  grateful  for  sympathy  with  their  country.  When  they 
say  of  a man,  ‘He  died  for  Ireland,’  the  voice  is  low  and 
tender,  as  if  they  spoke  of  the  passion  of  Christ.” 

Lady  Wilde. 

‘ ‘ Thou,  Lord,  art  gracious,  and  not  blind  like  men  ; 

Judge  us  with  mercy  when  we  shall  arise. 

This  chill  night-wind  bites  through  me  like  a sword. 

Pity  my  soul  and  Adiaber’s,  O Lord  ! ” 

William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book,  19 i 

September  4 

John  Dillon  born,  1S51. 


September  5 


September  6 


192 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


September  7 

“ The  Union  was  carried  by  perjury,  bribery,  forgery,  and 
force,  against  the  wishes  of  the  people.  To  alter  that  Union, 
and  get  back  for  the  Irish  people  a Parliament  of  their  own — 
a Parliament  not  alone  in  name,  but  in  reality — such  is  the 
object  on  which  the  Irish  people  have  set  their  hearts.’’ 

Richard  Power. 

“ Oh,  brothers  ! be  with  us,  our  aim  is  high. 

The  highest  of  man’s  vocation  : 

With  these  priceless  jewels,  that  round  us  lie. 

To  build  up  a noble  nation.” 

Lady  Wilde. 


September  8 

“ Ireland  being  a more  ancient  kingdom  than  the  kingdom 
of  England  As  the  English  orators  in  the  Council  of  Con- 
stance, A.D.  1417,  confessed,  and  alleged  as  an  argument  in 
the  contest  between  Henry  the  Fifth’s  legates  and  those  of 
Charles  the  Sixth,  King  of  France,  for  precedence.  The 
antiquity  and  precedence  of  the  King  of  England  was  allowed 
him  wholly  on  the  accou7it  of  his  kingdom  of  Ir dandy 

William  Molyneux, 

‘‘  If  thou  art  studious,  I will  read 
Thee  tales  of  pleasing  woe  ; 

If  thou  art  sad.  I’ll  kiss  away 
The  tears  that  needs  must  flow.” 

Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan. 


Srptrmber  9 

“ I believe  that,  to  make  this  movement  a full  success,  we 
should  aim  at  the  noblest  ends  and  appeal  to  the  highest 
motives.  I began  with  mere  political  ideas,  but  I have 
grown  to  see  that  all  possible  political  reform  is  involved  in 
social  reform,  and  that,  unless  it  leads  to  social  reform, 
political  reform  is  worth  nothing.” — Michael  Davitt. 

“Even  so,  if  the  storms  of  existence 

Have  parted  us  here  from  each  other. 

Let  us  steer  to  that  light  in  the  distance, 

And  meet  in  that  haven,  my  brother  ! ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


193 


September  7 


September  8 

John  Martin  born,  1812. 


September  9 


194 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


September  lo 

'‘No  measure  (Pitt’s  Bill  for  the  Legislative  Union  of 
England  and  Ireland)  ever  showed  less  of  that  enlightened 
and  far-seeing  statesmanship  which  respects  the  prejudices 
and  conciliates  the  affections  of  a nation,  and  thus  eradicates 
the  seeds  of  disaffection  and  discontent.”— -W.  E.  H.  Lfxky. 

“ May  the  hope  and  the  love  Thou  hast  boundlessly  given 
To  the  heart  of  this  people  grow  stronger  in  tears, 

Idll  from  spirit  and  frame  every  fetter  be  riven. 

And  Liberty’s  bow  through  the  tempest  appears.” 

R.  D.  Williams. 


September  ii 

“Learn  poetry;  fix  some  of  it,  however  little,  in  your 
memory.  A few  good  pieces,  made  thoroughly  your  own, 
will  insensibly  refine  your  taste,  elevate  your  conceptions, 
and  improve  your  mode  of  expression.  Learn,  in  fact,  any- 
thing that  is  real,  solid,  useful ; but  leartt  it.  Do  not  taste 
and  smell;  eat.”— William  Arthur. 

“ And  should  thy  foe  to  supplication  bend. 

Forgive,  and  treat  him  as  a new-made  friend.” 

Teige  MacDaire. 


Stptmbcr  12 

“ The  world  above  is  a reality  to  the  Irish  peasant.  No 
people  have  more  intense  faith  in  the  Unseen.” 

Lady  Wilde. 

“ Aromatic  plants  bestow 
No  spicy  fragrance  where  they  grow  ; 

* But  crush’d  and  trodden  to  the  ground. 

Diffuse  their  balmy  sweets  around.  ” 

Oliver  Goldsmith. 

“ The  daylight  and  the  star-light  shine,  as  if  her  eyes  were 
in  their  light.”— Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday^Book. 


I9S 


September  lo 


September  ii 


September  12 


o 2 


196 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


September  13 

“Ireland  is  beginning  to  make  up  a record  of  English 
crime  and  Irish  suffering,  in  order  to  explain  the  past,  to 
justify  the  present,  and  caution  the  future.’^ — Thomas  Davis. 

“ Well  for  thee,  O yoiing  man  ! the  English  cage  and 
prison. 

Well  for  thee  thy  death,  if  thou  shouldst  die — 

Thy  name  is  on  those  tablets  that  ne’er  shall  be  unwritten 
Till  the  pulse  of  our  Ireland’s  heart  runs  dry.” 

Charlotte  G.  O’Brien. 


September  14 

“ English  statesmen  might  study  with  advantage  the  mode 
by  which  the  Greeks,  the  great  colonizers  of  the  ancient 
world,  gained  the  love  of  all  peoples  . . . they  conquered 
by  their  divine  gifts,  and  the  colonists  in  return  glorified 
Greece  by  their  genius  ; wherever  the  Greeks  passed  they 
left  a trail  of  light,  but  England  a trail  of  blood.” 

Lady  Wilde. 

“For  the  sake  of  the  dear  little  Isle  where  I send  you  ; 

For  those  who  will  welcome,  and  speed  and  befriend  you  ; 
For  the  green  hills  of  Erin  that  still  hold  my  heart  there, 
Though  stain’d  with  the  blood  of  the  patriot  and  martyr, 
My  blessing  attend  you  !” 

Geoffrey  Keating  to  his  Letter. 


^rpttmber  15 

“Let  us  cast  aside  all  feelings  of  self-interest,  and  let  us 
act  only  with  the  desire  to  benefit  our  country  ; to  regain  for 
her  a place  amongst  the  nations  of  the  world,  even  at  the  cost 
of  present  sufferings  and  sacrifice  for  ourselves  ; to  bequeath 
to  those  who  come  after  us  a future  of  prosperity,  happiness, 
and  independence.”— Charles  Stewart  Parnell. 

“ The  world  grows  dim  before  me, 

A soft  wing  closes  o’er  me — 

But  Erin  dear  that  bore  me, 

I love  thee  to  the  last.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 
c •> 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


197 


S^eptember  13 

Edmund  O’ Donovan  born,  1848. 


September  14 


September  15 

Convention  in  Dublin,  1881. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


198 


Stptcmber  16 

“ Mab  is  also  of  Celtic  origin,  being  evidently  the  maabh 
of  the  Irish.  Much  has  been  written  to  trace  the  source 
from  which  Spenser  took  the  materials  of  his  ‘ Faery  Queen,’ 
but  when  we  consider  where  he  composed  that  splendid  poem, 
and  what  he  says  of  his  knowledge  of  the  poems  of  the  Irish 
bards,  we  may  be  enabled  to  account  for  some  of  his 
mythology.” — Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall. 

’Tis  he  who  scatters  blessings  round, 

Adores  his  Maker  best. 

His  walk  through  life  is  mercy-crowned, 

His  bed  of  death  is  blest.” 

William  Drennan. 


September  17 

‘^  Idleness  is  a ready  accusation  in  the  mouth  of  him  whose 
corruption  denies  to  the  poor  the  means  of  labour.  ‘ Ye  are 
idle,’  said  Pharaoh  to  the  Israelites  when  he  demanded 
bricks  of  them  and  withheld  the  straw.” 

Theobald  Wolfe  Tone. 

“ Oh,  give  me  back  that  royal  dream 
My  fancy  wrought, 

When  I have  seen  your  sunny  eyes 
Grow  moist  with  thought.” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 


SepUmbrr  18 

“ I am  not  in  love  with  feasts,  and  crowds,  and  visits,  and 
late  hours,  and  strange  faces,  and  a hurry  of  affairs  often 
insignificant.  For  my  private  satisfaction,  I had  rather  be 
master  of  my  own  time  than  wear  a diadem.” 

Bishop  Berkeley. 

“ How  pleased,  how  delighted,  the  rapt  eye  reposes 
On  the  picture  of  beauty  this  valley  discloses  ! 

How  glad,  through  this  vale,  would  I float  down  life’s  river, 
Enjoying  God’s  bounty,  and  blessing  the  Giver  ! 

Sweetest  of  vales  is  the  Vale  of  Shanganah  ! ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


199 


Scptemi)er  16 


September  17 


September  18 


200 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


Septemtier  19 

“It  is  only  by  giving  protection  to  the  Tenants  that  you 
can  have  security  against  a return  to  that  state  of  things  which 
every  man  of  right  feeling  deplored.’’ — Isaac  Butt. 

“We  were  blighted,  dark,  benighted — our  day  of  grace  ha 
flown  ; 

Then  the  men  whom  God  inspired — 

By  thy  love,  oh  Mother  ! fired — 

Tore  away  the  veil  that  bound  us. 

Spread  the  light  and  truth  around  us  : 

Now  we’ll  trust  our  own  men — our  own  men  alone.” 

Charlotte  G.  O’Brien. 


September  20 

“ No  traitor  was  he,  but  a true  and  noble  gentleman.  No 
traitor,  but  a most  faithful  heart  to  all  that  was  worthy  of 
love  and  honour.  No  traitor,  but  a martyr  for  Ireland. 
‘ Remember  Emmet ! ’ ” — Donal  Sullivan. 

“ Abject  the  prostrate  people  lay, 

Nor  dared  to  hope  a better  day  ; 

An  icy  chill,  a fatal  frost. 

Left  them  with  all  but  honour  lost, 

Left  them  with  only  trust  in  God. 

The  lands  were  gone  their  fathers  own’d  ; 

Poor  pariahs  on  their  native  sod.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


September  21 

“O’Connell  was  the  especial  bugbear  of  the  English 
people — as  he  himself  said,  ‘ the  best-abused  man  alive.’  As 
the  typical  Irishman,  Catholic,  and  Repealer,  he  aroused 
against  himself  the  fiercest  national  and  religious  prejudices  of 
large  classes  of  Englishmen.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

‘ ‘ Then  here  and  there,  perhaps,  she  picked  a flower, 

To  strew  with  moss,  and  paint  her  leafy  bower  ; 

And  here  and  there,  like  her,  I went  along, 

Chose  a bright  strain,  and  bid  it  deck  my  song.  ” 

Thomas  Parnell. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


201 


^epumbtr  19 


September  20 


September  21 


202 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


September  22 

“ Out  of  acids,  alkalis,  or  saline  solutions,  the  crystal  came 
sweet  and  pure.  By  some  such  natural  process  in  the  forma- 
tion of  this  man  (Michael  Faraday),  beauty  and  nobleness 
coalesced,  to  the  exclusion  of  everything  vulgar  and  low.  ” 

John  Tyndall. 

“ A tone  that  peals  amid  the  swell 
Of  rustic  voices,  mingling  praise 
Of  Him  who  makes  the  summer  days 
Of  sweet-breathed  hours  delectable. 

At  close,  an  instant’s  upward  glance 
Meeting  the  Master’s  in  a trance.” 

William  Wilkins. 


September  23 

“ In  struggling  for  Irish  freedom  I believe  in  using  every 
weapon  which  honourable  men  can  use.  I believe  in  nationa- 
lizing the  Corporation  of  Dublin,  the  Town  Councils  of  Ire- 
land, and  the  Boards  of  Guardians.” — ^JOHN  Dillon. 

“ But  the  hills  that  I tread  must  be  taintless  and  free 
As  the  breeze — as  the  bird  in  its  nest ; 

And  would  I might  breathe  that  sweet  freedom  to  thee, 
Aroon  ! from  the  heart  of  the  West  ! ” 

C.  M.  O’Hara. 


September  24 

“If  we  can  still  love  those  who  have  made  us  suffer,  we 
love  them  all  the  more.  It  is  as  if  the  principle,  that  conflict 
is  a necessary  law  of  progress,  were  applicable  even  to  love.” 

Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ If  I but  nursed  a flower 

Which,  to  the  ground  the  rain  and  wind  had  beaten, 
That  flower  of  all  our  garden  was  my  pride.” 

James  Sheridan  Knowles. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


203 


September  22 


September  2 


September  2 


204 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


September  25 

“ Then  shall  the  future,  seen  by  the  prophetic  eye  of 
Grattan,  when  he  hailed  his  Ireland  as  an  independent 
nation,  be  realized  by  the  men  of  to-day.”— Very  Rkv. 
Thomas  N.  Burke. 

‘ ‘ The  different  hues  that  deck  the  earth, 

All  in  our  bosoms  have  their  birth  ; 

’Tis  not  in  blue  or  sunny  skies, 

’Tis  in  the  heart  the  summer  lies  ! 

The  earth  is  bright  if  that  be  glad. 

Dark  is  the  earth  if  that  be  sad.” 

Denis  Florence  MacCari  hy. 


September  26 

“ It  would,  indeed,  be  scarcely  possible  to  conceive  a more 
infamous  system  of  legal  tyranny  than  that  which  in  the 
middle  of  the  eighteenth  century  crushed  every  class  and 
almost  every  interest  in  Ireland.  The  Parliament  had  been 
deprived  of  every  vestige  of  independence.” — W.  E.  II. 
Lecky. 

“The  last  sad  hour  of  freedom’s  dream, 

And  valour’s  task  moved  slowly  by, 

While  mute  they  watch’d,  till  morning's  beam 
Should  rise,  and  give  them  light  to  die  ! 

There  is  a world,  where  souls  are  free. 

Where  Tyrants  taint  not  nature’s  bliss.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


September  27 

“ One  of'the  great  objects  of  this  Society  is  that  there  shall 
be  no  religious  animosity  ; every  man  shall  worship  his  God 
according  to  his  own  conscience,  and  any  one  who  violates 
this  principle  is  not  worthy  to  be  a member,  and  shall  be 
expelled  from  the  Society.” — Rev.  Theobald  Mathew. 

“ What  soil  or  clime,  or  barrier  raised  by  pride. 

Or  prejudice,  can  bound  the  good  man’s  love  ? 

For  man  and  misery,  wherever  found 
It  freely  springs.” 

William  Hamilton  Drummond. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


205 


September  25 


September  26 


September  27 


2o6 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


September  28 

“I  declare  from  my  soul  that  if  England  were  to  give  us 
all  her  revenues,  I could  not  barter  for  them  the  fiee  consti- 
tution of  my  country/' — JOHN,  Baron  Oriel. 

“ Life  may  be  fair  in  that  new  existence 

Where  saints  are  crown'd  and  the  saved  rejoice. 

But  over  the  depth  of  the  infinite  distance 
I’ll  lean,  and  listen  to  hear  your  voice." 

Lady  Wilde. 


September  29 

“ Before  we  can  influence  or  deal  with  mind,  contempla- 
tion must  be  lost  in  sympathy,  observation  must  be  merged 
in  love.”— Mrs.  Jameson. 

“We  two,  each  other’s  only  pride, 

Each  other's  bliss,  each  other’s  guide, 

Far  from  the  world’s  unhallow’d  noise, 

Its  coarse  delights  and  tainted  joys. 

Through  wilds  will  roam  and  deserts  rude  ; 

For,  love,  thy  home  is  solitude." 

Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan. 


September  30 

“ Out  of  the  attempt  to  harmonize  our  actual  life  wdth  our 
aspirations,  our  experience  with  our  faith,  we  make  poetry, — 
or,  it  may  be,  religion.’’ — Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ My  boat  is  moor’d  beside  the  pier. 

My  nets  are  stretch’d  upon  the  strand, 

And  once  again,  dear  Kate,  I’m  here, 

To  look  in  your  face  and  to  clasp  your  hand.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 

“ Therefore  we  come,  in  one  united  band. 

To  hail  in  him  the  hero  of  the  land." 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


207 


Septemfcrr  28 

John,  Baron  Oriel,  Speaker  of  the  Irish  Parliament,  born  1740. 


September  29 


Sepumhcr  30 


i*w<x  f li  I ■■.jtTiiftttsrr^^; 


■vii 

1- 


OCTOBER 


“A  SHAMROCK  FROM  THE  IRISH  SHORE.” 

“ Struggjling,  and  yet  for  strife  unmeet, 

True  type  of  trustful  love  thou  art  ; 

Thou  liest  the  whole  year  at  my  feet, 

To  live  but  one  day  at  my  heart. 

One  day  of  festal  pride  to  he 

Upon  the  loved  one’s  heart — what  more  ? 

Upon  the  loved  one’s  heart  to  die, 

0 shamrock  of  the  Irish  shore  ! 

“ And  shall  I not  return  thy  love  ? 

And  shalt  thou  not,  as  thou  shouldst,  be 
Placed  on  thy  son’s  proud  heart  above 
The  red  rose  or  the  fleur-de-lis  ? 

Yes,  from  these  heights  the  waters  beat, 

1 vow  to  press  thy  cheek  once  more, 

And  lie  for  ever  at  thy  feet, 

O shamrock  of  the  Irish  shore  ! ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


P 


2 10 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


October  i 

“ Here  we  may  take  up  the  thread  of  the  history  where  we 
left  it,  at  the  close  of  the  period  of  steady  progress  from  the 
fifth  to  the  end  of  the  eighth  century,  when  the  language  of 
Ireland  was  being  developed,  and  her  schools  were  the  most 
frequented  in  Northern  Europe.” — Margaret  Stokes. 

“ The  earth,  as  we  lie  on  its  bosom,  seems  pressing 
A heart  up  to  bear  us  and  mix  with  our  heart ; 

The  blue,  as  we  wonder,  drops  down  a great  blessing 
That  soothes  us  and  fills  us,  and  makes  the  tears  start.” 
Arthur  O’Shaughnessy. 


October  2 

“ The  Irish  and  Oriental  poets  both  agree  in  attributing 
favourable  or  unfavourable  weather  and  abundant  or  de- 
ficient harvests  to  the  good  or  bad  qualities  of  the  reigning 
monarch.”— James  Clarence  Mangan. 

“ The  clime 
Is  a clime  to  praise, — 

The  clime  is  Erin^s,  the  green  and  bland  ; 

And  it  is  the  time, 

These  be  the  days 

Of  Cahal  Mor  of  the  wine-red  hand  ! ” 

“ A Vision  of  Connaught  in  the  13th  Centuiy,” 
by  James  Clarence  Mangan. 


0ctobcr  3 

“Joannes  Erigena,  or  John  of  Erin,  is  admitted  by  the 
most  competent  authorities  to  have  been  the  founder  of 
the  mystic  doctrine  ; it  thus  appears  that  the  two  great 
systems  of  theology  originated  in  the  early  Irish  schools.” — 
Dr.  O’Donovan. 

“ Work  ! there  is  work  for  the  thinker  and  doer. 

And  glory  for  all,  when  the  goal  is  won  ; 

So  we  are  true  to  our  Country,  or  truer 
Than  planets  are  to  the  central  sun.” 

Lady  Wilde. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


2 r I 


October  I 

Daniel  Augustus  Beaufort,  one  of  the  Founders  of  the  Royal 
Irish  Academy,  born  1739. 


October  2 


October  3 


p 2 


2 I 2 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


^ctobei  4 

“ St.  Patrick  had  a much  higher  object  in  view.  He  seems 
to  have  been  deeply  imbued  with  faith  in  the  intercessory 
powers  of  the  Church.  He  established  throughout  the  land 
temples  and  oratories  for  the  perpetual  worship  of  God.” 
James  Henthorn  Todd. 

“ Oh  fair  ! oh  purest  ! be  thou  the  dove 
That  flies  alone  to  some  sunny  grove  : 

And  lives  unseen,  and  bathes  her  wing, 

All  vestal  white,  in  the  limpid  spring  ; 

Oh  ! be  like  this  dove  ! 

Oh  fair  ! oh  purest  ! be  like  this  dove ! ” 

“St.  Augustine  to  his  Sister,”  by  Thomas  Moore. 


October  5 

“ Yes,  I am  loyal  to  all  that  a good  and  patriotic  citizen 
should  be  loyal  to.  I am  ready,  not  merely  to  obey,  but  to 
support  with  heartfelt  allegiance,  the  constitution  of  my  own 
country.” — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

‘‘  Till  then,  adieu  ! my  Fond  and  True,  adieu,  till  then  ! 
Though  now  you  grieve,  still,  still  believe  we’ll  meet  again  ; 
I’ll  yet  return,  with  hopes  that  burn,  and  broadsword  keen  ; 
Fear  not,  nor  think  you  e’er  can  sink,  my  Dark  Roisin  ! ” 
“ The  Prince  of  TirconnelPs  Address  to  Ireland,” 
translated  by  James  Clare  vce  Mangan. 


October  6 

“ There  is  no  subject  so  obscure  but  we  may  discern  some 
glimpse  of  truth  by  long  poring  on  it.  ^ — Bishop  Berkeley. 

“ I sing,  for  wheresoe’er  I am. 

If  I but  turn  my  thoughts  apart, 

I fill  the  goblet  of  my  heart 
With  tides  of  beauty  clear  and  calm. 

Drawn  from  a source  that  lies  far  off  • 

Where  human  cares  are  lost  in  Love. 

Unto  that  Love  my  life  belongs.” 

William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


213 


October  4 


October  5 


October  6 


214 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


0ctubtr  7 

“ I claim  for  Robert  Bums  a wider  possession, — he  belongs 
to  all  the  people  in  the  world.  That  power  which  he  so 
wonderfully  possessed,  to  bring  forth  the  deepest  feelings  of 
our  nature,  love,  friendship,  patriotism,  public  and  private 
virtue,  homely  sentiment  ; in  all  these  various  channels  it 
was  to  the  common  nature — not  of  Scotland,  not  of  England, 
not  of  Ireland,  but  to  the  common  nature  of  humanity  that 
he  appealed.” — Hon.  Edward  Blake. 

“ When  the  dark  clouds  of  life  gather  o’er  me. 

One  star  shall  outshine  every  other. 

And  the  long,  rugged  pathway  before  me 
Grow  bright  with  the  love  of  my  brother.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 

October  8 

“ O’Connell,  standing  by  the  stone  where  the  Kings  of 
Ireland  were  once  crowned,  sketched  the  coming  glories  of 
his  country.  Beneath  him,  like  a mighty  sea,  extended  the 
throng  of  listeners.” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ They  tell  me  I am  strange— perhaps — I love 

Things  not  much  valued  by  the  mass  of  men — 
Flowers,  children,  denizens  of  dell  and  grove, 

The  harmless  choristers  of  wold  and  glen  ; 

Cool  zephyrs,  limpid  streams,  and  sunset  skies, 

And  loving  souls  that  look  from  deep  blue  eyes.” 

“Non  Omnis  Moriar,”  in  the  “ Shamrock.” 

October  9 

“ Away,  then,  with  all  religious  animosity  that  would 
interfere  with  man’s  co-operation  with  his  fellow-man  for 
native  land.  Away  with  that  fatal  division  that  would  fain 
make  one  Ireland  for  the  Protestant  Irishman  and  another 
for  the  Catholic  Irishman — whereas  the  ‘Green  Island’  is  the 
common  motherland  of  all.” — VeryRev.  Thomas  N.  Burke. 
“ She  quench’d  the  fire  of  her  tears. 

Uplifting  her  meek,  brave  head. 

‘ Or  dark  or  bright  be  the  years. 

I will  take  courage,’  she  said — 

Smoothing  back  her  loose-blowing  hair, 

And  her  shawl  drawing  closer  the  while  ; 

So  she  drank  in  the  strong  sea  air. 

And  turn’d  away  with  a smile.” 

William  Wjlkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


215 


October  7 


<!^ctot)cr  8 


0ctot)er  9 


The  Irish  Birthdav~Book, 


216 


October  10 

“ Calumny  and  obloquy  we  have  had  to  endure  ; we  have 
had  to  face  the  sneers  of  the  mighty  and  powerful  ; we  were 
told  that  we  were  poor  and  insignificant.  But  poor  and 
humble  and  insignificant  as  some  of  us  are  — the  electors,  in 
sending  us  to  Parliament,  have  made  us  formidable  to  the 
greatest  empire  that  exists  in  the  world.’' — T.  M.  Healy. 

“ 1 grew  to  manhood  by  the  western  wave. 

Among  the  mighty  mountains  on  the  shore; 

My  bed  the  rock  within  some  natural  cave. 

My  food  whate’er  the  seas  and  seasons  bore.” 

“ The  Voyage  of  St.  Brendan,”  by  D.  F.  MacCarthy. 


(October  ii 

‘‘  Every  proposal  for  the  advantage  of  Ireland  was  held  a 
direct  attack  on  the  interests  of  England.” 

Theobald  Wolfe  Tone. 

“ Where  toil  is  hard,  in  mill  and  yard. 

There  hands  are  strong  to  bear  it ; 

Where  genius  bright  would  wing  its  flight. 

The  mind  is  theirs  to  dare  it  : 

But  high  or  low,  in  joy  or  woe. 

With  any  fate  before  them. 

The  sweetest  bliss  they  know,  is  this — 

To  aid  the  land  that  bore  them.” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


0ctob^r  12 

“ Above  all  people  the  Greeks  seem  to  have  been  endowed 
with  the  gift  of  personal  fascination  ; the  English  as  a fiation 
have  none  of  it,  though  capable  of  splendid  acts  of  individual 
generosity.” — Lady  Wilde. 

‘ ‘ Then  give  me,  give  me,  while  I weep, 

The  sanguine  hope  that  brightens  woe, 

And  teaches  even  our  tears  to  keep 
The  tinge  of  rapture  while  they  flow.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday  Book, 


2 I 7 


October  10 


October  II 

James  Barry  born,  1741. 


October  12 


2i8 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


October  13 

“ It  is  usual  to  hold  forth  to  our  imitation  the  great  industry 
of  Demosthenes,  and  the  wonderful  care  bestowed  by  him  on 
the  composition  of  his  orations.  I think  it  would  be  more 
to  the  purpose,  to  tell  us  of  the  great  passions  by  which  he 
was  inspired  ; of  the  ardent  love  he  bore  his  country  ; of  his 
fear  for  her  safety  ; of  his  undying  hatred  of  her  foe  ; and  his 
fierce  indignation  against  the  traitors  to  her  cause.” 

John  Blake  Dillon. 
“Ye  know  how  great  hearts  have  striven  — 

Much  suffer’d  and  much  forgiven  ! ” 

“ Four  Years  of  Irish  History,”  by  Sir  C.  G.  Duffy. 

October  14 

“ Love  in  its  highest  phase  is  self-sacrificing,  and  has  its 
essence  in  the  capability  of  self-sacrifice.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 
“ A clear  soul  this  still  Sabbath  eve 

Sway’d  upward  unto  the  high  light. 

Where  dwell  the  hosts  of  those  in  white. 

In  joy  that  no  man  may  conceive  ; 

A pure  soul  pleading  there  for  me, 

Afar  from  her  beyond  the  sea.” 

William  Wilkins. 

“ Him  who  strove,  with  might  and  main. 

To  leave  a lesson  for  us  all, 

How  we  might  live— nor  live  in  vain.” 

John  Fisher  Murray. 

0ctobtr  15 

“ Poor  France  ! In  the  New  World  and  in  the  Old,  history 
owes  thee  much — yet  in  both  hast  thou  paid  the  full  measure 
of  thy  people’s  wrong.” — W.  F.  Butler. 

“ And  many  a moon  and  sun  will  see 
The  lingering,  wistful  children  wait 
To  climb  upon  their  father’s  knee  ; 

And  in  each  house  made  desolate, 

“ Pale  women,  who  have  lost  their  lord. 

Will  kiss  the  relics  of  the  slain — 

Some  tarnish’d  epaulette — some  sword — 

Poor  toys  to  soothe  such  anguish’d  pain.” 

Oscar  Wilde. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book,  219 


13 

Hon.  Edward  Blake  born,  1833. 


0ctobtr  14 

Thomas  Davis  born,  1814. 


October  15 

Lord  Edward  Fitzgerald  born,  1763. 


220 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


(October  i6 

“ A people  without  a language  of  its  own  is  only  half  a 
nation.  A nation  should  guard  its  language  more  than  its 
territories — 'tis  a surer  barrier,  and  more  important  frontier, 
than  fortress  or  river.” — Thomas  Davis. 

“ Dear  Lord,  my  cold  heart  is  constrain'd 
To  melt  in  gentle  gratitude, 

For  four  fair  things  Thou  hast  ordain'd 
To  be  so  gracious  and  so  good  : 

“ The  spring-time,  and  the  stars,  and  song,  • 

And  smiles  of  Thy  sweet  handmaidens, 

That  guide  and  cheer  our  steps  along 

Through  what  were  else  but  wastes  immense.” 

William  Wilkins. 


October  17 

“ Mankind  are  so  constituted  that  our  most  cherished 
convictions  become  dearer  if  they  are  professed  by  persons 
whom  we  venerate.” — Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

*•  The  moaning  blast  is  sweeping  fast. 

Thro’  many  a leafless  tree, 

And  I’m  alone,  for  he  is  gone. 

My  hawk  has  flown,  ochone  machree^' 

Denny  Lane. 

“ Now  Freedom’s  God  ! I come  to  Thee !” 

Thomas  Moore. 


October  18 

“ A native  Irish  literature,  by  the  very  fact  of  its  existence, 
must  give  a powerful  impulse  to  the  other  departments  of 
mental  energy.” — ^Joseph  F.  O’Carroll. 

“For  Nature  has  stamp’d  us  with  brand  immortal. 
Highway  of  nations  our  land  must  be ; 

We  hold  the  keys  of  the  Old-World  portal, 

We  guard  the  pass  of  the  Western  Sea — 

Ireland,  sole  in  her  majesty  ! ” 


I.ADY  Wilde. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


221 


0ctof)cr  i6 


0ctol)cr  17 

William  Smith  O’Brien  born,  1803, 


October  18 


222 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


October  19 

“ The  House  of  Commons  is  the  source  of  Legislation,  and 
it  may  be  useful  for  us  to  try  and  keep  that  in  mind.” 

Anna  Parnell. 

“We  were  slaves  when  seeming  free  ; 

Now,  though  wounded  and  laid  low. 

In  our  souls  lives  Freedom’s  power. 

Hark  ! ’tis  striking — Ireland’s  hour  ! 

Work  there  is  for  men,  I trow  !” 

Charlotte  G.  O’Brien. 


October  20 

‘ ‘ The  game  was  scented ; the  cry  was  up.  Oh,  that  a 
jovial  sun  should  ever  look  down  upon  such  a piteous  scene  ! 
A brave  son  of  the  mountains,  hunted  like  a fox  to  the  death 
among  those  mountains,  the  pure  love  of  motherland  being 
his  crime!” — Rosa  Mulholland. 

“ Oh,  my  beloved  isle, 

Erin  aroon. 

Might  I behold  you  smile, 

Erin  aroon  ; 

One  smile,  so  warm  and  bright, 

Startling  the  long  dark  night — 

Then  die  with  pure  delight, 

Erin  aroon.” 

Ellen  Downing. 


October  21 

“ The  disturbances  of  the  country  are  not  to  be  remedied 
by  any  coercive  measures,  however  strong;  such  measures 
will  tend  to  exasperate  rather  than  to  remove  the  evil. 
Nothing  can  effect  this,  and  restore  tranquillity  to  the 
country,  but  a serious,  a candid  endeavour  of  Government 
and  of  this  House  to  redress  the  grievances  of  the  people.” 
Lord  Edward  Fitzgerald. 

“ But  this  man,  whose  game  ye  baulk’d. 

Was  the  true  man  ’mong  you  all.” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


223 


October  19 


October  20 

Land  Commission  held  its  first  sitting,  1881. 


October  21 


224 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


October  22 

“ In  Irish  education,  Irish  history  is  steadily  ignored  by 
schools,  academies,  and  colleges  ; a national  annihilation 
that  probably  could  find  no  counterpart  in  all  the  rest  of 
Europe.  Irish  children  may  recite  the  kings  of  the  Heptarchy, 
or  the  cause  of  the  Punic  Wars,  but  of  the  long  heroic  struggle 
of  their  forefathers  against  foreign  domination,  they  are  taught 
never  a word.”— Lady  Wilde. 

“ And  Erin’s  lot  in  after  years 

Was  war  and  sorrow,  gloom  and  tears  ; 

God  send  her  soon  the  peace  sublime 
She  knew  in  Holy  Patrick’s  time.” 

F.  A.  Fahy. 


October  23 

“ Any  allusion  to  the  solicitude  which  an  Irish  Parliament 
would  naturally  exhibit  for  the  Irish  people,  was  treated  as  a 
topic  that  indicated  folly  or  sedition.” 

His  Grace  Archbishop  McHale. 

“ Oh,  Erin  ! in  thine  hour  of  need, 

I'hy  warriors  wander  o’er  the  earth  ; 

For  others’  liberties  they  bleed. 

Nor  guard  the  land  that  gave  them  birth  : 

In  foreign  fields,  it  is  their  doom 

To  seek — their  fame,  to  find — their  tomb.” 

John  D’Alton. 


October  24 

“ The  true  rebels,  the  real  Thugs,  are  rather  those  who, 
notwithstanding  the  results  of  observation  and  experiment, 
persistently  refuse  to  see  aught  but  the  incarnation  of  sin  in 
every  movement  towards  the  elevation  of  our  social  policy, 
and  who,  in  so  refusing,  force  a contest  where  there  should 
be  unanimity  of  purpose  and  enthusiastic  co-operation  in 
design.” — ^J.  W.  Studdert. 

“ Who  fired  my  breast  with  Homer’s  fame. 

And  taught  the  high  heroic  theme 
That  nightly  flash’d  upon  my  dream.” 

William  Drknnan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


225 


0ctotier  22 

Junior  Irish  Literary  Club  Founded,  i88i. 


October  23 


0ctohcr  24 


Q 


226 


The  Irish  Birthday- Book. 


October  25 

“Then  was  witnessed  that  spectacle,  among  the  grandest 
in  the  whole  range  of  mental  phenomena,  of  mind  asserting 
its  supremacy  over  matter — of  the  power  of  enthusiasm  and 
the  power  of  genius  nerving  a feeble  and  an  emaciated  frame.” 
W.  E.  H.  Lecky,  describing  Grattan’s  last  speech 
against  the  “ Union.” 

“ But  there  doth  rest  beneath  thy  breast 
A heart  of  purest  core, 

Whose  pulse  is  known  to  me  alone, 

My  Brighidiu  bau  mo  store.” 

Edward  Walsh. 


October  26 

“ It  has  been  the  misfortune  of  ancient  Irish  literature, 
that  its  remains,  through  the  subordinate  condition  of  this 
country,  have,  both  in  Phigland  and  abroad,  been  almost 
without  a dissentient  voice,  adjudged  to  the  Anglo-Saxon 
school ; whereby,  not  only  has  the  merit  of  the  teacher  been 
transferred  to  the  disciple,  but  a great  obstruction  has  been 
placed  in  the  way  of  an  acquaintance  with  Irish  manuscripts 
which  are  scattered  through  Europe.  The  Irish  scholar 
neglecting  to  examine  them  because  they  are  called  Saxon, 
and  the  English  to  consult  them,  because  unable.” 

Rev.  William  Reeves. 

“Ye  bards  of  song,  ye  warriors  strong  ! 

Of  high  heroic  deeds.” 

John  MacDonnell. 


October  27 

“ The  grace  of  God  is  far  from  making  a man  idle.  Thou 
must  labour  earnestly,  and  when  thou  hast  laboured  for  thy 
bread,  must  acknowledge  that  it  comes  from  God.” 

Archbishop  Ussher. 

“ Throughout  the  world  the  mighty  Master’s  laws 
Allow  not  one  brief  moment's  idle  pause  ; 

The  earth  is  full  of  life,  the  swelling  seeds 
Advance  ! 

And  summer  hours,  like  flowery  harness’d  steeds. 
Advance  ! ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


227 


October  25 


October  26 


^ctobn  27 


228 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


0ctobcr  28 

“ ‘ When  I take  into  account,’  said  Burrowes,  ‘ the  hostile 
feelings  generated  by  this  foul  attempt,  by  bribery,  by  treason, 
and  by  force,  to  plunder  a nation  of  its  liberties  in  the  hour 
of  its  distress,  I do  not  hesitate  to  pronounce  that  every 
sentiment  of  affection  for  Great  Britain  will  perish  if  this 
measure  pass.’  ” — W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

“ You’ve  a hand  for  the  grasp  of  friendship. 

Another  to  make  them  quake. 

And  they’re  welcome  to  which  soever 
It  pleases  them  most  to  take.” 

Eva  Mary  Kelly. 


0ci(bcr  29 

“ ‘My  own  darlin’  Mamy,’  cries  the  poor  child,  ‘the  first 
coat  I earn  shall  be  for  you.’  ‘Darlin’,’  answered  the 
mother,  ‘ I shall  have  a coat  of  green  before  that  ;’  and  there 
was  a meaning  in  her  face  when  she  said  it  which  they  could 
not  read,  but  1 could,  and  to  hide  my  grief,  I went  out  of  the 
house  and  prayed.” 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall’s  “ Ireland.” 

“ I thank  you  for  the  patient  smile. 

When  your  heart  was  fit  to  break. 

When  the  hunger  pain  was  gnawin’  there, 

And  you  hid  it  for  my  sake.” 

Countess  of  Gifford. 


October  30 

‘ ‘ The  lesson  which  I have  learned  from  the  past  history 
of  my  country  is,  that  the  great  and  the  first  danger  an 
Irishman  has  to  avoid  is  the  danger  of  division.” 

John  Dillon. 

“ Union  makes  the  nations  great. 

Pmd  your  quarrels  ; — end  your  quarrels  ! 

By  the  graves  of  Ninety- eight — 

Chains  or  laurels  ; — chains  or  laurels  ! ” 

R.  D.  Williams. 

“ O men  who  have  pass’d  through  the  furnace, 

Assay’d  like  the  gold,  and  as  pure  ! ” 

Lady  Wilde. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book.  229 


October  28 


0ctobrr  29 


October  30 


230 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


&ttohcx  31 

“Bold,  courageous,  open  action,  free  from  all  taint  of 
criminality,  will  enable  the  Irish  people  to  triumph.” 

“ The  Nation.” 

“ Arise  ! my  slumbering  soul,  arise  ! 

And  learn  what  yet  remains  for  thee 
To  dree  or  do  : 

The  signs  are  flaming  in  the  skies  ; 

A struggling  world  would  yet  be  free. 

And  live  anew.” 

James  Clarence  Mangan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book,  231 


(l^ctob^r  31 


NOVEMBER 


BY  MAURICE  THOMPSON. 

“ A hint  of  slumber  in  the  wind, 

A dreamlet  stir  of  blades  and  stalks. 

As  tenderly  the  twilight  flows 
Down  all  my  garden  walks. 

“ My  robes  of  work  are  thrown  aside 
The  odour  of  the  grass  is  sweet ; 

The  pleasure  ot  a day  well  spent 
Bathes  me  from  head  to  feet. 

“ Calmly  I wait  the  dreary  change — 

The  season  cutting  sharp  and  sheer 
Through  the  wan  bowers  of  death  that  fringe 
The  border  of  the  year. 

“And  while  I muse,  the  fated  earth 
Into  a colder  current  dips — 

Feels  winter's  scourge,  with  summer’s  kiss 
Still  warm  upon  her  lips.” 

Copied  from  “The  Shamrock. 


234 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i^oi3cmbtr  i 

“ A man  may  bestow  great  sums  on  the  poor  and  indigent 
without  being  charitable,  and  may  be  charitable  when  he  is 
not  able  to  bestow  anything.’^ — SiR  Richard  Steele. 

“ Oh  wonderful  creature  ! a woman  of  reason  ! 

Never  grave  out  of  pride  ; never  gay  out  of  season.*’ 

Dean  Swift. 

‘ ‘ Hail,  rain,  or  sunshine,  sure  ’twas  all  the  same, 

He  listen’d  for  the  foot  that  never  came.” 

Ellen  Forrester. 


iSobembcr  2 

“Young  Ireland  wrote  its  bold,  brilliant  ballads  as  a part 
of  the  education  of  the  new  nationality  that  it  believed  was 
growing  up,  and  destined  to  take  possession  of  the  island,  ‘ a 
nationality  that  ’ — to  use  Davis’s  words — ‘ must  contain  and 
represent  all  the  races  of  Ireland.’  ” — Cashel  Hoey. 

“ Though  thy  brother  still  deride  thee, 

Yield  thou  love  for  foolish  hate  : 

He’ll,  perhaps,  ere  long  beside  thee, 

Proudly,  boldly,  share  thy  fate.” 

R.  D.  Williams. 


i^obembcr  3 

“ When  my  country  takes  her  place  among  the  nations  of 
the  earth,  then^  and  not  till  then^  let  my  epitaph  be  written.” 

Robert  Emmet. 


“ And  now  thy  dwelling  is  lonely — 

King  of  the  rushing  horde  ; 

And  now  thy  battles  are  over 
Chief  of  the  shining  sword  ! ” 

Mrs.  Downing. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


235 


Jlofcicm^cr  I 


i^obcmbcr  2 

William  Thompson  (author  of  “The  Natural  History  of 
Ireland  ”)  born,  1805. 


i^obcmbcr  3 
John  Mitchel  born,  1815. 


236  The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i^otcmber  4 

“ This  notion  of  sacrificing  or  slighting  the  present  seems 
to  me  a great  mistake.  It  ought  to  be  the  most  important 
part  of  our  existence,  as  it  is  the  only  part  of  it  over  which 
we  have  power.  It  is  in  the  present  only  that  we  absolve  the 
past,  and  lay  the  foundation  for  the  future.” 

Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Scatter  the  golden  grain  of  lofty  thoughts, 

From  which  spring  hero-deeds— that  so,  in  truth, 

Our  Future  may  be  nobler  than  our  Past, 

In  all  that  makes  a nation’s  life  divine — 

This  is  the  Poet’s  mission,  therefore — Thine” 

“Speranza”  (Lady  Wilde). 


igobember  5 

“ It  is  of  considerable  importance  that  the  youth  of  the 
present  day  should  be  acquainted  with  the  history  of  the  past, 
and  learn  from  it  how  to  act  in  the  future  ; both  for  the 
industrial  and  political  welfare  of  his  country.” 

Michael  Davitt. 

“ O Eire  ! the  things  I loved  in  thee 

Were  dead  long  years  ere  I was  born  ; 

Yet  still  their  shadows  lived  for  me. 

An  evening  twilight  like  the  morn  ; 

But  daily  now  with  vulgarer  hand 

The  Present  sweeps  those  phantoms  by  ; — 

Like  annals  of  an  alien  land, 

Thy  history’s  self  appears  to  die  ! ” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


Jlobmbcr  6 

Our  benches  were  filled  with  English  lawyers ; our 
bishoprics  with  English  divines ; our  Custom-house  with 
English  commissioners  ; all  offices  of  State  filled  three  deep, 
with  Englishmen  in  possession,  Englishmen  in  reversion,  and 
Englishmen  in  expectancy.” — Theobald  Wolfe  Tone. 

“ Drive  the  demon  of  bigotry  home  to  his  den. 

And  where  Britain  made  brutes  now  let  Erin  make  men. 
Let  my  sons,  like  the  leaves  of  the  shamrock,  unite, 

A partition  of  sects  from  one  footstalk  of  right.  ” 

William  Drennan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Bouk. 


237 


i^oljcmbcr  4 


i^obcmbcr  5 


iSobfmber  6 


238 


The  Irish  Birthdav-Book. 


iioljcmbtr  7 

“ The  generous  response  you  have  given  to  the  mention  of 
the  efforts  of  my  mother  in  Ireland’s  cause,  has  filled  me  with 
a pleasure  and  a pride  that  I cannot  properly  acknowledge. 
I am  glad  to  be  afforded  this  opportunity  during  my  visit  to 
America  to  speak  to  an  aiulience  of  my  countrymen,  a race 
once  the  most  artistic  hi  Europe.  But  with  the  coming  of  the 
English,  art  in  Ireland  came  to  an  end.  The  artistic  sen- 
timent of  Ireland  is  not,  however,  dead  in  the  hearts  of  her 
sons  and  daughters.” — Oscar  Wilde. 

“ The  voices  ever  sounding  back 

From  my  country’s  old  triumphal  track  ! ” 

Franxes  Browne. 


8 

“ There  are  bigots  to  whom  the  idea  of  living  upon  terms 
of  respect  and  trust  with  their  neighbours  who  differ  from 
them  in  religion  is  odious.” — Charles  J.  Kickham. 

“ Wait — there  are  worlds  diviner  than  this. 

Worlds  of  splendour,  of  knowledge,  and  bliss  ! 

Across  the  death-river— the  victory  won — 

We  shall  meet  in  the  light  of  a changeless  Sun.” 

Lady  Wilde. 


ifiohembcr  9 

“ Insult  not  the  dignity  of  manhood  by  supposing  that 
contentment  of  the  heart  can  exist  under  despotism.” 

James  Whiteside. 

“ The  fear  of  God  on  man  impress’d  with  force 
Of  all  true  wisdom  is  the  first  great  source  ! 

Oh  ! daily  let  thy  supplications  rise 
To  Him  whom  glory  veils  above  the  skies, 

Though  nothing  ’scapes  His  all-beholding  eyes.” 

Teige  Macdaire. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


239 


iOiobcmbcr  7 


i^obemb^r  8 


iJ^obcmbcr  9 


240 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i%ot3cmber  lo 

Galway,  once  frequented  by  ships  with  cargoes  of 
French  and  Spanish  wines,  to  supply  the  wassailings  of  the 
O’NeiFs  and  O’Donel’s,  the  O’Gara’s  and  O'Kane.s,  her 
marble  palaces  handed  over  to  strangers,  and  her  gallant 
sons  and  dark-eyed  daughters  banished,  remains  for  200 
years  a ruin  ; her  splendid  port  empty,  while  her  ‘ hungry 
air’  in  1862  becomes  the  mock  of  the  official  stranger.” 

John  Patrick  Prendergast. 

“ When  now  one  mighty  struggle  for  All, 

May  quicken  the  life  in  the  land  again  ! ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


i^obcmbcr  ii 

“No  settlement  of  the  Irish  question  that  does  not  give 
to  the  Irish  people  the  right  to  rule  themselves,  can  be 
accepted  as  final.” — W.  H.  K.  Redmond. 

“ Remember,  Dennis,  all  I bade  you  say, 

Tell  him  we’re  well,  and  happy — thank  the  Lord  ; 

But  of  our  troubles  since  he  went  away. 

You’ll  mind,  avick,  and  never  say  a word — 

Of  cares  and  troubles,  sure  we’ve  all  our  share  ; 

The  finest  summer  isn’t  always  fair.” 

Ellen  Forrester. 


iJiobcmbcr  12 

It  may  not  surpass  the  possibilities  of  coming  years  in 
politics  to  devise  and  execute  some  method  which  may  save 
Irishmen  from  the  shame  and  agony  of  occupying  hostile 
camps  in  the  House  of  Commons  (in  England),  and  which 
may  enable  them  at  last  to  find  a common  ground  for  am- 
bition and  for  effort,  for  courteous  debate  and  honourable 
emulation,  on  the  soil  of  their  native  country.” 

Thomas  Sexton. 

“ Never  under  wrongs  despair  ; 

Labour  long,  and  everywhere.” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


241 


iBoiJtmber  10 

Charles  Anderson  Read  born,  1841. 


^obtmber  12 


242 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


Jiot)embcr  13 

“ We  knoAv  of  the  Israelites  of  old  that  they  had  far  to 
wander  and  much  to  suffer  before  they  reached  the  land  of 
promise.  Irishmen,  too,  have  a goal  before  them  that  is 
worth  struggling  for.” — William  Dillon. 

“ Oh.  lead  them  on  ! All  doubts  and  fears  are  errors  ; 
Dread  not  the  spectrejj  conjured  up  to  view, 

Heed  no  dark  tales  of  new  or  olden  terrors, 

Trust  Ireland’s  People  ; they  are  brave  and  true. 

Reach  forth  and  grasp  the  hands  they  have  extended, 

Help  their  good  work,  while  yet  they  need  your  aid. 

And  in  the  land  made  free,  serene,  and  splendid, 

In  love  and  joy  your  toil  shall  be  repaid.” 
T.  D.  Sullivan. 

i^cbcmbcr  14 

“ The  first  business  of  life  is  the  impiovement  of  one’s  own 
heart  and  mind  . . . the  study  of  the  thoughts  and  deeds 
of  great  men.”  Thomas  Davis. 

“ We  are  his  people,  for  he  loves  and  he  trusts  us 
His  children,  though  he  be  )oung  ; 

Liberty  and  honour  on  his  lips  have  their  dwelling, 
Faithfulness  and  truth  are  on  his  tongue.’^ 

C.  G.  O’Brien. 

“ Arise  ! arise  ! my  patriot  son  ! 

By  hearts  like  thine  is  Freedom  won  ! ” 

Lady  Wildk. 

iRohrmbcr  15 

“ Those  with  refinement  and  softness  of  nature  mingling 
with  high  intellectual  power  and  the  capacity  for  strong 
passion,  present  to  me  a problem  to  solve,  which,  when 
solved,  I take  to  my  heart.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

‘ ‘ I swear 

From  my  heart’s  inmost  core  to  tear 
Love,  hope,  remembrance,  though  they  be 
Link’d  with  each  quivering  life-string  there. 

And  give  it  bleeding  all  to  Thee  ! 

Let  him  but  live,  the  burning  tear, 

The  sighs  so  sinful,  yet  so  dear, 

Which  have  been  all  too  much  his  own. 

Shall  from  this  hour  be  Heaven’s  alone  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


243 


13 


i^oSjcmbcr  14 


i^obembrr  15 


244 


The  Irish  Birthday^Book, 


i^obember  i6 

‘ ‘ Language  is  fossil  poetry ; in  other  words,  we  are  not 
to  look  for  the  poetry  which  a people  may  possess  only  in  its 
poems,  or  its  poetical  customs,  traditions,  and  beliefs ; many 
a single  word  also  is  itself  a concentrated  poem,  having 
stores  of  poetical  thought  and  imagery  Jaid  up  in  it.” 

His  Grace  Archbishop  Trench. 

“ And  still,  beloved,  till  life  grows  cold. 

We’ll  wander  ’neath  the  genial  sky, 

And  only  know  that  we  are  old. 

By  counting  happy  hours  gone  by.” 

Hon.  Caroline  Norton. 


iSotimbtr  17 

“ Besides  this  duty  towards  their  students  as  individuals. 
Universities  are  bound  by  another,  and  perhaps  a still  higher 
duty  towards  the  future  of  the  human  race.  This  duty  com- 
mands them  to  produce,  not  only  philosophers,  but  good 
citizens  ; not  only  men  of  trained  intellect  and  well-stored 
mind,  but  also  men  guided  by  a high  standard  of  public 
morality  and  a keen  sense  of  honour.”— John  Dillon. 

“ Heights  can  be  reach’d  by  heroic  daring, 

Crowns  are  won  by  the  brave  and  free. 

And  nations  create  their  own  destiny.” 

Lady  Wilde. 


i^obcmhcr  18 

“ Underneath  his  sweetness  and  gentleness  was  the  heat 
of  a volcano.  He  was  a man  of  excitable  and  fiery  nature  ; 
but  through  high  self-discipline  he  had  converted  the  fire 
into  a central  glow  and  motive-power  of  life,  instead  of 
permitting  it  to  waste  itself  in  useless  passion.” 

John  Tyndall. 

“To  them  his  heart,  his  love,  his  griefs  were  given, 

But  all  his  serious  thoughts  had  rest  in  heaven. 

As  some  tall  cliff  that  lifts  its  awful  form. 

Swells  from  the  vale,  and  midway  leaves  the  storm. 
Though  round  its  breast  the  rolling  clouds  are  spread, 
Eternal  sunshine  settles  on  its  head.  ” 

Oliver  Goldsmith. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


245 


igobtmber  16 


i^ofciember  17 


i^obember  18 


246 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i^obcmbcr  19 

“John  Stuart  Mill  died  on  May  8,  1873,  at  his  home  at 
Avignon,  where  the  tomb  of  his  wife  was  made.  ‘ There’s  a 
great  spirit  gone,’  was  the  word  of  all  men.  A loftier  and 
purer  soul,  more  truly  devoted  to  the  quest  of  the  truth,  had 
not  mingled  in  the  worldly  affairs  of  our  time.” 

Justin  McCarthy. 

‘ ‘ But  now — this  river’s  argent  breast. 

The  pale,  sweet  sky,  the  tender  light, 

Steal  on  the  sense,  and  drink  the  soul  ; 

The  clear  West  opens,  calm  and  broad  ; 

The  deep  peace  deepens,  and  the  whole 
Stirr’d  spirit  nestles  up  to  God.” 

William  Wilkins. 


ilobcmbcr  20 

“An  unseasonable  disclosure  of  flashes  of  wit  may  some- 
times do  a man  no  other  service  than  to  direct  his  adversaries 
how  they  may  do  him  a mischief.” 

Hon.  Robert  Boyle  (1626). 

“ Hers  is  the  voice  tuned  by  harmonious  love. 

Soft  as  the  songs  that  warble  through  the  grove  ! 

Oh  ! sweeter  joys  her  converse  can  impart  ! 

Sweet  to  the  sense  and  grateful  to  the  heart  ! ” 

Turlough  O’Carolan. 

“ I would  read  for  her  in  the  noon  from  a Gaelic  or  Latin 
book  ; 

I would  write  her  pure  thoughts  down  by  some  clear 
brook,” — A Munster  Song,  translated  by  Mangan. 


iliobcmbfr  21 

“A  more  experienced  minister  would  not  have  hazarded 
a direct  invasion  of  the  first  principles  of  the  constitution 
before  he  had  made  some  progress  in  subduing  the  spirit  of 
the  people.” — “Junius”  (Sir  Philip  Francis). 

“ Good  night,  good  night.  As  thy  beloved  eyes. 

The  young  great  stars  look  on  me  at  this  hour  : 

From  deepening  blue  of  holy  western  skies, 

One  after  one  born  into  fullest  power 
Of  glorious  purity.”  William  Wilkins. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


247 


igobembcr  19 


igobember  20 


i^obcmbcr  21 


248 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


i^obcmbcr  22 

“ The  constitution  may  for  a time  be  lost,  but  the  character 
of  the  people  cannot  be  lost  ; Ministers  of  the  Crown  may, 
perhaps,  at  length  find  out  that  it  is  not  so  easy  to  put  down 
for  ever  an  ancient  and  respectable  nation  by  abilities 
however  great,  or  by  corruption  however  irresistible/’ 

Henry  Graitan. 

“ Two  lives  of  an  eagle,  the  old  song  saith. 

Make  the  life  of  a black  yew-tree ; 

For  two  lives  of  a yew-tree  the  furrow’s  path 
Men  trace,  grass-grown  on  the  lea  ; 

Two  furrows  they  last  till  the  time  is  past 
God  willeth  the  world  to  be  ; 

For  a furrow’s  time  has  MacCarthy  stood  fast, 
MacCarthy  in  Carbery.” — Aubrey  de  Vere. 

iBobcmbcr  23 

“ Mr.  Swinburne,  the  poet,  made  an  appeal  to  the  people 
of  England,  in  lines  of  great  power  and  beauty,  on  behalf  of 
a policy  of  mercy  to  the  prisoners.  Lord  Derby,  who  had 
then  come  to  be  at  the  head  of  the  Gov^ernment,  refused  to 
listen  to  any  appeal.  The  remaining  three,  Allen,  Darken, 
and  O’Brien,  were  executed.” — “ Short  History  of  our  own 
Times,”  by  Justin  McCarthy. 

“ ‘ God  save  Ireland,’  pray  we  loudly. 

May  heaven’s  choicest  blessing  on  her  fall  ! 

From  every  harm  and  woe 
That  may  lay  a nation  low. 

May  God  save  Ireland,  say  we  all ! ” — T.  D.  Sullivan, 

i^ohcmbcr  24 

“Why,  your  very  existence  depends  upon  the  disap- 
pearance of  these  ancient  feuds.  . . . Believe  me,  if  you 
desire  to  avert  an  impending  calamity,  it  is  the  duty  of 
every  human  being  amongst  you  - Protestant  and  Catholic, 
Orangeman  and  Union-man — to  consider  with  regard  to  all 
these  matters,  what  is  the  real  duty  they  owe  to  God,  their 
country,  and  each  other.”  — Earl  of  Dufferin  in  Canada. 

“ And  then,  crying  tears  like  a woman, 

‘ Your  hand  ! ’ he  said.  ‘ Aye,  that  hand  : 

And  I do  forgive  you,  foeman. 

For  the  sake  of  our  bleeding  land  ! * ” 

John  Banim. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


249 


i^obcmbcr  22 

Justin  McCarthy  born,  1830. 


i^obember  23 


it^obcmbcr  24 


250 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


i^obcmber  25 

“ ‘ Now/  cried  I,  ‘the  sum  of  my  miseries  is  made  up  ; 
nor  is  it  in  the  power  of  anything  on  earth  to  give  me 
another  pang/ — Oliver  Goldsmith’s  “Vicar  of  Wake- 
field/^ 

“ Oh  ! let  me  only  breathe  the  air, 

The  blessed  air,  that’s  breathed  by  thee. 

And,  whether  on  its  wings  it  bear 
Healing  or  death,  ’tis  sweet  to  me  ! 

“ There, — drink  my  tears,  while  yet  they  fall,— 
Would  that  my  bosom’s  blood  were  balm, 

And,  well  thou  know’st,  I’d  shed  it  all. 

To  give  thy  brow  one  minute’s  calm.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


i^obcmbcr  26 

“Irish  Hospitality.— In  the  parish  of  Kilmurray,  and 
county  of  Cork,  the  MacSweeneys  set  up  a stone  near 
Clodagh,  on  which  they  inscribed,  in  Irish,  an  invitation  to 
all  passengers  to  repair  for  entertainment  to  the  house  of 
MacSweeney.” — Ven.  Charles  O’Connor. 

“ Strife  is  sin  and  madness, 

Come  together,  heart  and  hand, 

Join  our  gallant  patriot  band. 

Standing  for  the  dear  old  land, 

To  give  her  peace  and  gladness.” 

“ ZoziMUS.” 


Jlobcmbcr  27 

“When  our  enemies  attribute  our  failures  (individual  and 
collective)  to  our  want  of  capacity  and  energy,  we  have  but 
one  answer,  and  it  is  a conclusive  one ; we  point  to  men  of 
Irish  birth  or  blood  who  are  prosperous  and  distinguished 
everywhere  but  at  home.” — John  Blake  Dillon. 

“Yet  still,  through  the  darkness  and  sorrow, 

I dream  of  a time  yet  to  be. 

When  from  mountain  and  ocean  to  heaven 
Will  rise  up  the  Hymn  of  the  Free.” 

“Speranza,”  Lady  Wilde. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


251 


i^obcmbcr  25 


i^ofacmbcr  26 
Sir  James  Ware  born,  1594. 


il^obcmbcr  27 


252 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


i^obembcr  28 

“ Let  England  proclaim  that  the  will  of  Ireland,  fairly, 
legally,  and  constitutionally  ascertained — not  the  will  of  a 
class,  or  of  a section,  or  of  a party,  or  of  a creed,  but  of  all 
classes — as  all  such  decisions  are  usually  taken  and  accepted, 
shall  be  allowed  to  regulate  her  own  concerns  ; let  us  render 
unto  Pmgland  what  is  England’s,  and  unto  Ireland  what  is 
Ireland’s.” — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

“ ’Twas  the  want  of  right  command. 

Not  the  lack  of  heart  or  hand, 

Left  your  hills  and  plains  to-day, 

’Neath  the  strong  Clan  Saxon’s  sway.” 

Sir  Samuel  Ferguson. 


i^obcmbtr  29 

“ Her  manner  was  entirely  well-bred,  partaking  of  English 
dignity  and  Irish  frankness.  You  never  thought  of  her  in 
reference  either  to  plainness  or  beauty.  She  was  all  in  all, 
occupied  without  fatiguing  the  attention,  and  charmed  by  her 
pleasant  voice,  while  the  earnestness  and  truth  that  beamed 
in  her  bright  blue —very  blue — eyes,  made  of  value  every 
word  she  uttered.” 

Anna  Maria  Hall,  of  Maria  Edgeworth. 

‘ ‘ Those  feet,  that  to  music  could  gracefully  move. 

Now  bear  her  alone  on  the  mission  of  love  ; 

Those  hands  that  once  dangled  the  perfume  and  gem, 
Are  tending  the  helpless,  or  lifted  for  them” 

Gerald  Griffin. 


i^obtmbcr  30 

“ When  we  talk  of  leaving  our  childhood  behind  us,  we 
might  as  well  say  that  the  river  flowing  onward  to  the  sea 
had  left  the  fountain  behind.’’ — Mrs.  Jameson. 

I only  sought  her  with  mine  eyes  and  heart. 

Yet  was  her  smile,  whene’er  by  chance  we  met. 

And  the  enlivening  of  her  beauteous  eyes 
Encountering  mine  own,  a richer  prize 
Than  in  the  spoil  of  palaces  may  be  won.” 

William  Wilkins. 

“ Though  blest,  ’mid  all  her  ills,  to  think 
She  has  that  one  beloved  near  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


253 


i^obcmbcr  28 

Oliver  Goldsmith  born,  1731. 


i^obcmbcr  29 


30 

Dean  Swift  born,  172 1. 


DECEMBER 


MY  FAITH. 


“ I’ve  heard  enlighten’d  persons  say. 

With  show  ot  logic,  keen  and  clever, 

‘ The  world  will  roll  in  the  ancient  way, 

And  the  honest  man  will  be  down  for  ever. 

Honour  and  Truth  are  an  idle  dream  ; 

Self  is  the  rule  good  sense  advises  ; 

Worth  will  sink  like  dregs  in  the  stream, 

And  the  sun  will  shine  on  all  that  rises.’ 

But  I say  No, 

It  cannot  be  so  ! 

And  if  my  reasons  must  be  given, 

So  weak  am  I, 

That  my  sole  reply 

Is,  ‘A  just  God  lives  on  the  throne  of  Heaven.’ 

And  though  I am  told  it  is  wrong  to  feel 
The  burning  glow  of  patriot  passion, 

That  the  national  love  is  ungenteel, 

And  we  all  must  sail  with  the  tide  of  fashion — 

Erin  ! Queen  of  my  youth’s  wild  dreams, 

Of  my  manhood’s  faith,  that  falter’d  never. 

Through  sorrow’s  clouds,  or  hope’s  bright  beams. 

This  hand  and  heart  shall  be  thine  for  ever  ! ” 

T.  D.  Sullivan. 


256  The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


©crembcr  i 

“Again  and  again  did  her  mother  return  her  caresses, 
murmuring,  ‘ My  Colleen-das  will  never  be  widowed  by 
faction  now ; the  spirit  is  all  gone,  praise  be  to  the  Lord  : 
and  so  I tell  him  when  I sit  upon  his  grave/  ’’ — Mr.  and 
Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall’s  “ Ireland.” 

“ All  that  I had  of  good  in  other’s  sight, 

Reflected  shone  thy  virtue’s  borrow’d  light.” 

John  Fisher  Murray. 

“ The  tribute  most  high  to  a head  that  is  royal. 

Is  love  from  a heart  that  loves  Liberty  too  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


IDcccmbcr  2 

“The  presence  of  those  whom  we  love  is  as  a double  life  ; 
absence,  in  its  anxious  longing  and  sense  of  vacancy,  is  as 
a foretaste  of  death.”— Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Lord  Petre’s  house  was  built  by  Payne — 

No  mortal  architect  made  Jane  ; 

If  hearts  had  windows,  through  the  pane 
Of  mine  you’d  see  my  sweetest  Jane.” 

Richard  Brinsley  Sheridan. 

“ All  that’s  sweet,  by  Love’s  decree, 

Has  been  made  resembling  thee  ! ” 

Thomas  Moore. 


©rccmbn  3 

‘ ‘ Our  people  have  exhibited  all  the  ancient  courage  of 
their  race ; they  have  gone  to  penal  servitude ; they  have 
gone  to  hard  labour  cheerfully,  quietly,  and  without  osten- 
tation ; they  have  willingly  made  these  sacrifices,  not  for 
themselves,  but  for  the  tenant  farmers  and  the  labourers  ; 
knowing  also  that  they  were — by  these  sacrifices— promoting 
a greater  and  a still  better  cause,  the  time  when  our  Country 
shall  regain  her  Nationhood  and  her  idght  to  make  laws  lor 
Irishmen  on  Irish  soil.”— Charles  Stewart  Parnell. 

“ And  by  melodious  Banna’s  tide. 

And  by  the  Mourne  and  Erne,  to  come 
And  swell  thy  strains.” 

James  Clarence  Mangan. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


257 


iBcctmbcr  i 


IBeambcr  2 


©eccmber  3 


s 


258 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


Decmber  4 

“ Let  the  young  men  of  Ireland  study  the  history  of  their 
country  with  a view  to  learn  the  faults  and  weaknesses  which 
have  made  our  people  the  prey  of  their  enemies  in  the  past. 
Let  us  sternly,  patiently,  and  steadfastly  apply  ourselves  to 
correct  those  faults  at  whatever  sacrifice.  And  in  that  spirit 
we  may  advance  into  the  Future  without  fear.’^ 

John  Dillon. 

“ Meet  these  men  on  land  or  sea — 

Meet  them  in  council,  war,  or  glee  ; 

Voice,  glance,  and  mien,  bespeak  them  free  ; 
Welcopie  greets  you  at  their  hearth.*’ 

From  “ My  Home,  a Dream,”  by  Thomas  Davis. 


December  5 

“ The  language  of  Ireland  is  a golden  vase  in  which  are 
enshrined  the  precious  deposit  of  our  history,  the  traditions 
of  our  country,  the  abiding  proofs  of  the  high  culture  of  the 
men  of  our  race.” — Rev.  J.  E.  Nolan,  O.D.C. 

“ O Nature  ! though  blessed  and  bright  are  the  rays, 

O’er  the  brow  of  creation  enchantingly  thrown, 

Yet  faint  are  they  all  to  the  lustre,  that  plays 

In  a smile  from  the  heart  that  is  dearly  our  own.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


December  6 

‘‘  Rising  to  more  than  usual  eloquence  and  power,  he  pro- 
phesied the  regeneration  of  all  human  communities  through 
the  social  elevation,  the  intellect,  the  purity,  and  the  devo- 
tion of  woman.” — Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ Time  was  not  made  for  spirits  like  ours. 

Nor  the  changing  light  of  the  changing  hours  ; 

For  the  life  eternal  still  lies  below 
The  drifted  leaves  and  the  fallen  snow.” 

Lady  Wilde. 


2 HE  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


259 


IBeccmbcr  4 


December  5 

Sir  John  Parnell  (‘‘the  incorruptible  Parnell”)  died,  1801. 


Beeember  6 


s 2 


26o 


The  Irish  Birthdav-Book. 


December  7 

‘ ‘ There  is  no  love  like  that  which  has  roused  up  the 
intensest  feelings  of  our  nature,  revealed  us  to  ourselves,  like 
lightning  suddenly  disclosing  an  abyss, — yet  has  survived 
all  the  storm  and  tumult  of  such  passionate  discord,  and  all 
the  terror  of  such  a revelation.’’ — Mrs.  Jameson. 

“ And  smiled  and  bless’d  him  ; while  he  said, 

‘Yes — if  there  be  some  happier  sphere, 

Where  fadeless  truth  like  ours  is  dear  ; — 

If  there  be  any  land  of  rest 

For  those  who  love  and  ne’er  forget, 

Oh  ! comfort  thee — for  safe  and  blest 
We’ll  meet  in  that  calm  region  yet  ! ’ ” 

Thomas  Moore. 

HBccember  8 

“ ‘ Answer  your  enemies,’  wrote  O’Connell,  referring  to 
some  local  broil,  ‘ as  I do  mine  — by  redoubling  your  exertions 
for  Ireland.’  There  is  infinite  peace  and  contentment  in 
answering  your  enemies  in  this  fashion.” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

“ The  gloom  that  winter  cast. 

How  soon  the  heart  forgets, 

When  summer  brings  at  last 
Her  sun,  that  never  sets  ! 

So  dawn’d  my  love  for  you, 

And  chasing  every  pain. 

Than  summer’s  sun  more  true 
’Twill  never  set  again  ! ” 

A Finland  Love  Song,  by  Thomas  Moore. 

Bcambcr  9 

“Two  facts  must  strike  any  observer  of  the  progress  of 
political  events  in  European  countries.  The  first  is  the 
growing  intelligence  of  those  composing  what  is  called  the 
‘ lower  class,’  especially  as  manifested  in  the  appreciation 
of  their  own  numerical  superiority  and  latent  strength ; the 
other  the  decline  in  the  public  influence  of  the  upper  class, 
which  is  apparently  becoming  more  and  more  unable  to 
maintain  its  supremacy,  though  still  endeavouring  to  hold  the 
reins  of  government,  and  give  its  own  direction  to  public 
affairs.” — J.  W.  Studdert. 

“The  earth  is  sick  of  chains  !” — R.  D.  W lliams. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


261 


Bccember  7 


JBeccmbcr  8 


December  9 


262 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


Qccembcr  10 

“ It  was  found  that  Ireland  had  lost  about  two  millions  of 
her  population — she  had  come  down  from  eight  millions  to 
six.  This  was  the  combined  effect  of  starvation,  of  the 
various  diseases  that  followed  in  its  path,  gleaning  where  it 
had  failed  to  gather,  and  of  emigration. 

Justin  McCarthy. 

“ Have  ye  trod  in  the  pure  and  perfect  way. 

And  ruled  for  God  as  the  crown’d  should  do  ? 

Count  our  dead — before  angels  and  men. 

Ye’re  judged  and  doom’d  by  the  Statist’s  pen.” 

Lady  Wilde. 


I9cccmbcr  ii 

“ Irishmen  owe  the  Irish  Leader  a debt  of  gratitude  which 
can  never  be  sufficiently  paid.  In  the  darkest  hour  he  never 
flinched  ; when  our  race  and  nation  were  maligned  and  mis- 
represented, he  stood  in  the  gap  and  hurled  back  the  foul 
assaults  of  the  common  enemy.  His  ultimate  triumph  is 
even  now  beheld  in  the  near  future.  Cool,  calm,  imper- 
turbable, he  bides  his  time.  Nothing  can  ruffle  his  temper, 
or  turn  him  aside  from  his  purpose.  For  such  a man  the 
Irish  nation  has  nothing  but  a gratitude  profound.” 

“The  Irish  Canadian  ” Newspaper. 

“ Oh,  my  brothers,  I have  also  loved  her. 

In  her  lowliness  and  sorrow.” 

Fanny  Parnell. 


December  12 

“ The  rights  of  the  chief,  sub-chiefs,  and  families  of  each 
sept  were  regulated  under  the  Brehon  Code,  which,  with 
minute  precision,  laid  down  rules  for  adjudicating  on  almost 
every  variety  of  dispute,  encroachment,  or  breach  of  law.” 

John  T.  Gilbert. 

“ Some  millions  of  summers  hath  been  and  not  known  her, 
Hath  known  and  forgotten  loves  less  fair  than  she  ; 

But  one  summer  knew  her,  and  grew  glad  to  own  her. 

And  made  her  its  flower,  and  gave  her  to  me.  ’ 

Arthur  O’Shaughnessy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


203 


December  10 


iBccembtr  ii 


IBecembcr  12 
Gerald  Griffin  born,  1803. 


264 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


IBccember  13 

“ The  commercial  and  industrial  condition  of  the  country 
was,  if  possible,  more  deplorable  than  its  political  condition, 
and  was  the  result  of  a series  of  English  measures  which,  for 
deliberate  and  selfish  tyranny,  could  hardly  be  surpassed/’ 

W.  E.  H.  Lecky. 

‘ ‘ He,  the  friend 

And  guardian,  not  the  tyrant  of  whate’er 
Inhales  the  vital  breezes,  ne’er  issues  forth 
Breathing  dismay  and  slaughter  in  the  paths 
Where  happy  creatures  sport.” 

William  Hamilton  Drummond. 

JBcccmber  14 

“To  reach  the  heart  of  his  nation  the  poet  must  borrow 
the  tones  that  naturally  and  habitually  speak  its  feelings. 

“ ‘ Thy  voice  I’ll  steal  to  woo  thyself. 

That  voice  that  none  can  match.’  ” 

Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

“Up  above,  the  thoughts  that  know  not  anguish. 
Tender  care,  sweet  love  for  us  below, 

Noble  pity  free  from  anxious  terror, 

Larger  love  without  a touch  of  woe. 

‘ ‘ Down  below  ; a sad,  mysterious  music. 

Wailing  through  the  woods  and  on  the  shore, 
Burthen'd  with  a grand  majestic  secret. 

That  keeps  sweeping  from  us  evermore.” 

His  Lordship  Bishop  Alexander. 

December  15 

“ And  I wonder  to  myself  whether  in  the  hereafter  I shall 
meet  them  in  the  realm  full  of  song  and  sounds  of  praises, 
and  those  other  miracles,  hidden  from  me,  that  make  the 
faces  of  men  like  the  'Madonnas  of  Raphael — whereof  the 
soul  seems  to  dwell  in  heaven,  and  the  body  is  poised,  and 
attent,  awaiting  the  sign  to  go.” — From  the  “Story  of  a Deaf 
Mute,”  by  E.  Owens  Blackburne. 

“ Oh,  calm  the  voice  of  winter’s  storm! 

Rule  the  wrath  of  angry  seas  ! 

The  fury  of  the  rending  blast  appease. 

Nor  let  its  rage  fair  ocean’s  face  deform  ! ” 

Maurice  Fitzgerald  (written  in  1612). 


The  Irish  BirthdaY’Book. 


265 


JBcccmbcr  13 


©eccmfcrr  14 


IBetembcr  15 


266 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


December  i6 

“John  Abernethy,  of  Coleraine  (who  died  in  1740),  took 
up  the  position  that  religion  should  not  exclude  men  of  talent 
from  political  office,  and  he  was  so  far  in  advance  of  the 
opinions  of  the  thne,  that  he  gave  it  as  his  firm  conviction  that 
a Presbyterian  or  Roman  Catholic  might  be  a man  of  ability, 
and  thus  fitted  to  serve  his  country.” — Charles  A.  Read. 

“ I saw  in  old  time  through  the  drifts  of  the  snow, 

A sliepherdless  people  dash’d  to  and  fro, 

With  hands  toss’d  up  in  the  wintry  air, 

With  the  laughter  of  madness  or  shriek  of  despair.” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


December  17 

“ Hitherto  every  political  concession  to  Ireland  has  been 
deprived  of  all  grace,  and  of  half  its  value,  by  the  reluctance 
and  delay  with  which  it  was  yielded.” 

Thomas  A.  Dickson. 

“ From  Derry  to  Bundro was  Tower,  Tirconnell  broad  was 
theirs  ; 

Spearmen  and  plunder,  bards  and  wine,  and  holy  abbots* 
prayers : 

With  chanting  always  in  the  house  which  they  had 
builded  high 

To  God  and  to  St.  Bernard, — whereto  they  came  to  die.” 
“Abbey  Asaroe,”  by  William  Allingham. 


December  18 

“ We  do  homage  to  Irish  valour  whether  it  conquered  on 
the  walls  of  Deny,  or  capitulated  with  honour  behind  the 
ramparts  of  Limerick.” — Thomas  Francis  Meagher. 

“ A yellow  lion  upon  green  satin, 

The  Standard  of  the  heroes  of  the  Red  Branch, 

Which  Connor  carried  in  battle, 

During  his  frequent  wars  for  the  expulsion  of  foreigners.” 

Thomas  Moore. 

“For  Orange  and  Green  will  carry  the  day  ! 

Landlords  fo«".l*d  us  ; 

England  ruled  us, 

Hounding  our  passions  to  make  us  their  prey  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


267 


December  16 


December  17 


December  18 

vShutling  the  gates  of  Derry  against  King  James  of 
England,  1688. 


268 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


Dtrembcr  19 

‘ * He  whose  hopes  and  thoughts  for  his  country  could  be 
limited  to  the  narrow  span  of  his  own  life  would  not  be 
worthy  to  hope  or  think  for  her  at  all/’ — Isaac  Bu  it. 

“ And  Hope  from  a heavenly  note,  flies  on  !” 

Thomas  Moore. 


IBecember  20 

“ The  best  poetry  of  every  age  purifies  and  elevates,  and 
is  the  parent  of  noble  impulses  and  great  achievements.  Its 
influence  is  of  unmixed  good  ; a law  within  the  law  ; and  the 
narrowest  Utilitarian  might  admit  it  into  his  scheme  of 
popular  improvement  as  a distinct  and  powerful  element  of 
good.” — Sir  Charles  Gavan  Duffy. 

Yet  still,  where’er  our  course  we  lay. 

When  evening  bid  the  west  wave  burn, 

I thought  I heard  her  faintly  say — 

‘ Oh  ! soon  return  ! * ” Thomas  Moore. 


Bcccmbcr  21 

“As  he  was  possessed  of  integrity  and  honour,  I was 
under  no  apprehensions  from  throwing  him  naked  into  the 
amphitheatre  of  life  ; for  I knew  he  would  act  a good  part, 
whether  vanquished  or  victorious.” — Oliver  Goldsmith’s 
“ Vicar  of  Wakefield.” 

“ Sunny  hours  in  every  season, 

Wait  the  innocent — 

Those  who  taste  with  love  and  reason 
What  their  God  hath  sent. 

Those  who  neither  soar  too  highly, 

Nor  too  lowly  fall. 

Feel  the  sunny  days  of  winter,  after  all  ! ” 

Denis  Florence  MacCarthy. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


260 


IBeccmbtr  19 


IBectmber  20 

Sir  Martin  Archer  Shee  bom,  1769.- 


Bectmbtr  21 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


270 


Qrccmtcr  22 

“The  mother  was  left  alone  ; . . . but  every  night  when 
the  sun  went  down  she  placed  a candle  in  the  window  of  her 
room,  and  she  kept  it  burning  there  until  the  morning  ; then 
when  the  night  was  dark  and  stormy,  the  sailors  could  see 
the  light,  and  they  knew  that  they  were  near  the  dangerous 
rocks,  and  kept  out  of  the  way.  She  was  only  a lonely 
woman,  but  she  saved  more  lives  than  I can  tell  you.’^ 

Rev.  W.  F.  Stevenson,  D.D. 

“ Her  eyes  clear  dark  as  the  pools  of  Slaney.” 

William  Wilkins. 


December  23 

“I  never  denied  justice  to  a poor  man  for  being  poor,  nor 
pardoned  a rich  man  for  being  rich.^’ — Nicholas  French. 

“To  a Sprig  of  Mountain  Heath. 

“ Go — to  the  breast  of  her  I love, 

And  speak  for  me  to  that  blue  eye. 

Breathe  to  that  heart  my  fondest  sigh, 

And  tell  her  in  thy  softest  tone 
That  he  who  sent  thee  is — her  own.’* 

James  Joseph  Callanan. 

“ In  my  last  humble  prayer  to  the  Spirit  above, 

Thy  name  shall  be  mingled  with  mine.” 

Thomas  Moore. 


December  24 

“ It  is  proof  of  higher  power  to  combine  new  ideas  out  of 
what  is  before  you,  or  to  notice  combinations  not  at  first 
obvious,  than  to  distinguish  and  separate.  The  latter  tends 
to  logic,  which  is  our  humblest  exercise  of  mind  ; the  former 
to  creation,  which  is  our  highest.” — Thomas  Davis. 

“ Pray  for  me,  mother  darling,  morn  and  night — 

Your  blessing  shields  me  like  an  angel’s  wing. 

Pray  that  your  son  may  keep  his  God  in  sight — 

A mother’s  love,  what  solace  can  it  bring  ! 

I will  be  true  to  Ireland,  and  my  God, 

Faithful  at  home,  and  steadfast  still  abroad.” 

Finola. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book. 


271 


December  22 


December  23 


Qccembu-  24 


272 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


Btccmbtr  25 

“ Everything  is  God  ; God  is  everything  ; God  is  the  only 
real  substantial  existence/’ — Joannes  Scotus  EpTigena. 

“ I love  to  hear  the  church  bell  call  the  Christian  flock  to  pray, 

To  praise,  and  bless,  and  honour  Him  who  sanctified  the 
day  ; 

And  may  each  Christmas  Festival,  where’er  man’s  feet 
have  trod, 

Be  found  a Star  of  Betlehem,  to  guide  him  to  his  God  ! 

Oh  ! yes,  these  sacred  Christmas  times  can  pleasures  still 
bestow. 

As  in  sweet  childhood’s  purer  years,  a long  time  ago.” 
Stephen  Nolan  Elrington. 


December  26 

“ We  should  not  despond,  but  continue  to  exert  the  prime 
and  flower  of  our  faculties,  still  recovering,  and  reaching  on, 
and  struggling  into  the  upper  region,  whereby  our  natural 
weakness  and  blindness  may  be  in  some  degree  remedied, 
and  a taste  attained  of  truth  and  intellectual  life.” 

Bishop  Berkeley. 

“ Sweet  smile  of  hope,  delicious  tear. 

The  Sun,  the  shower  indeed  shall  come  ; 

The  promised  verdant  shoot  appear, 

And  Nature  bid  her  blossoms  bloom  ! ” 

Mrs.  Tighe. 


December  27 

“‘The  Irish  race  will  never  make  peace  with  England 
till  their  rights  as  a nation,  shamefully  snatched  away,  shall 
be  frankly  restored.’  This  has  the  ring  of  the  true  metal.  To 
that  chord  every  Irish  heart  vibrates.” — Canon  Doyle. 

“ Psyche  ! thy  soft  and  sympathizing  heart 
Shall  share  the  rapture  of  thy  loyal  knight  ; 

He  too  in  thy  content  shall  bear  a part  ” 

Mrs.  Tighe. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


273 


©ecemtier  25 


©ccember  26 

Dion  Boucicault  born,  1822. 


Qecmbcr  27 


274 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


December  28 

“The  public  opinion  of  to-day  (1880)  points,  with  a 
remarkable  directness  and  force,  to  the  state  of  the  land  law 
in  Ireland  as  the  great  cause  of  the  wretched  condition  of  the 
people.’’ — Charles  Russell. 

“ The  hour  has  struck  ! at  last  in  heaven 
The  golden  shield  an  angel  smites  ! 

On  Erin’s  altars  thunder  riven 
A happier  Destiny  alights. 

’Tis  done  that  cannot  be  undone  ; 

The  lordlier  ages  have  begun.” 

Aubrey  de  Vere. 


Derember  29 

“ Dragooning  and  trying  to  break  the  spirit  of  the  Irish 
people  will  always  end — it  always  has  ended— in  politica 
brokenheartedness  and  failure.” — William  O’Brien. 

“ But  now,  ye  say,  the  land  hath  rest : — 

Aye,  with  the  death-weights  on  her  eyes, 

And  fetter’d  arms  across  her  breast. 

And  mail’d  hands  stilling  down  her  cries  ! ” 

Lady  Wilde. 

“ I ask  you,  rulers  of  our  land, 

Have  ye  done  well  for  Ireland  ?” 

Lady  Wilde. 


December  30 

“ I have  entreated  an  attendance  on  this  day  that  you 
might  in  the  most  public  manner  deny  the  claim  of  the 
British  Parliament  to  make  law  for  Ireland,  and  with  one 
voice  lift  up  your  hands  against  it.” — “ Declaration  of  Irish 
rights  Speech  of  Henry  Grattan  in  the  Irish  House  of 
Commons. 

“ Let  us  to  our  purpose  bide, 

We’ll  have  our  own  again  ! 

Let  the  game  be  fairly  tried. 

We'll  have  our  own  again  ! ” 

Thomas  Davis. 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


275 


December  28 


December  29 


December  30 


^j’  2 


276 


The  Irish  Birthday-Book, 


Beccmbcr  31 

“ Be  the  gloom  of  the  present  time  short  or  long,  it  will 
not  avail  to  hide  great  facts  or  subvert  noble  principles  that 
are,  as  I maintain,  inevitably  hastening  a brighter  and  better 
future  for  Ireland  and  for  England.’^ — A.  M.  Sullivan. 

‘‘  Arm  of  Erin,  be  strong  ! but  be  gentle  as  brave  ; 

And  uplifted  to  strike,  be  still  ready  to  save  ; 

Let  no  feeling  of  vengeance  presume  to  defile 
The  cause  of,  or  men  of,  the  Emerald  Isle.’^ 

William  Drennan. 

‘ ‘ Erin  ! O Erin  ! thy  winter  is  past. 

And  the  hope  that  lived  through  it,  shall  blossom  at  last.^^ 

Thomas  Moore. 


The  Irish  BirthdaY’-Book, 


277 


QcccmBcr  31 


ll^»'«t>*  tv“wl  2tj?Pv  i^■  r 

^ o'j,,..-.  - IfS'w. -'‘-i  . ^ A 

r^t»V>|^^..r  ,*r^  .’  *»•  ' '-"  •* 

. * ^ ,ri  , r.\’  •;v>^l  * 

*“  * '■  • r ■>.’  ^ - -frtr.-Ul  • -,*:3« 

,L.^' 

I ft.  , ■ * .V'.'HJW 

. -ftKK!h';  • ■ . I , lii-'i'b} 


INDEX. 


Alexander,  Bishop,  264 
Allingham,  William,  266 
Anonymous,  various  writers,  58, 
76,  170,  178,  18S,  190 
Artane,’"  142 
Arthur,  William,  194 

Ballad  of  ’98,  40 
Banim,  John,  30,  248 
Barry,  M.  J.,  82,  120,  122 
Berkeley,  Bishop,  2,  8,  18,  52, 
66,  76,  86,  142,  168,  198, 
212, 272 

Blackburne,  E.  Owens,  264 
Blake,  Hon.  Edward,  82,  140, 
214 

Boyle,  Hon.  Robert,  246 
Browne,  Francis,  238 
Burke,  Edmund,  176 
Burke,  The  Very  Rev.  Thomas 
N.,  6,  74,  84,  86,  156,  204 
Butler,  Mrs.,  114,  130 
Butler,  W.  F.,  218 
Butt,  Isaac,  200,  268 

Callanan,  James  Joseph,  32,  48, 
170,  270 

Cantwell.  Rev.  James,  78 
Cashel,  The  Archbishop  of,  22 
Clare,  Lord,  164 
Clare,  Sister  Mary  Frances, 
150 


Collins,  Rev.  Michael,  182 
Columba,  Saint,  170 
D’ Alton,  John,  224 
Davis,  Eugene,  142 
Davis,  Thomas,  2,  4,  10,  14, 
16,  18,  32,  34,  36,  38,  40,  50, 
52,  64,  72,  78,  82,  86,  88,  90, 
98,  100,  102,  io8,  122,  124, 
134,  136,  140,  144,  148,  154, 
156,  164,  168,  172,  174,  176, 
182,  184,  194,  220,  340,  258, 
266,  270,  274 

Davitt,  Michael,  42,  192, 

236 

Dawson,  Charles,  42,  78 
Delvin,  R.  N.  S.,  32 
Denvir’s  “Irish  Library,”  122 
Dickson,  Thomas  A.,  266 
Dillon,  John  Blake,  2,  16,  60, 
160,  174,  218,  250 
Dillon,  William,  72,  172,  242 
Dillon,  John,  4,  26,  36,  50,  54, 
56,  144,  176,  202,  228,  244, 
258 

Dowling,  Bartholomew,  104 
Downing,  Ellen,  222 
Downing,  Mrs.,  234 
Doyle,  Canon,  272 
Drennan,  William,  14,  28,  56, 
198,  224,  236,  276 
Drummond,  William  Hamilton, 
204,  264 

Dufferin,  Earl  of,  248 


28o 


Index. 


Duffy,  Sir  Charles  Gavan,  8, 
48,  82,  98,  132,  134,  144, 
146,  198,  218,  220,  258,  260, 
268 

Duganne,  A.  J.  H.,  56 

Elrington,  Stephen,  272 
Emmet,  Robert,  6,  234 
Erigena,  Joannes  Scotus,  272 

Fahy,  F.  A.,  224. 

Fanny  Parnell,  “ In  Memoriam,” 
by  P.  N.  H.,  158 
Ferguson,  Sir  Samuel,  18,  ^44, 
66,  72,  104,  128,  174,  252 
“ Finola,^'  270. 

FitzGerald,  Lord  Edward,  222 
FitzGerald,  Maurice,  264 
Forbes- Avary,  W.  Holmes,  52 
Forrester,  Arthur  M.,  28,  52,  64, 
no 

Forrester,  Ellen,  14,  62,  94, 
104,  106,  124,  128,  234,  240 
Fraser,  J.  D.,  120 
French,  Nicholas,  270 

Gifford,  Countess  of,  8,  16,  228 
Gilbert,  John  T.,  262 
Goldsmith,  Oliver,  32,  74,  90, 
168,  194,  244,  250,  268 
“Gra  Machree,”  136 
Grattan,  Henry,  2,  20,  86,  1 54, 
248,  274 

Gray,  E.  D.,  48,  174 
Griffin,  Gerald,  26,  90,  252 

Hall,  S.  C.,  4,  6,  8,  14,  18,  60, 
74,  152,  198,  228,  252,  256, 
270 

Hamilton,  Sir  William  Rowan, 

6,  38 


Healy,  T.  M.,  36,  216 
Hill,  Rev.  George,  150 
Hoey,  Cashel,  234 
Hogan,  M.,  124 


Irish  Canadian  Newspaper,” 
262 

Irish  Minstrelsy,  Hardiman’s,  60 
“ Irish  Penny  Magazine,”  188 


Jameson,  Mrs.  (Anna  Murphy), 
58,  60,  66,  72,  74,  78,  140, 
142,  148,  152,  176,  178,  180, 
190,202,  206,  218,  236,  242, 
252,  256,  258,  260 
J.  B.  K.”  in  ‘‘  The  Shamrock,” 
“April” 

“Journal,  Freeman’s,”  174 
Joyce,  R.  D.,  122 
“Junius”  (Sir  Philip  Francis), 
246 


Keary,  Annie,  150 
Keating,  Geoffrey,  196 
Keegan,  John,  10,  40,  86 
Kelly,  Eva  Mary,  228 
Kickham,  Charles  J.,  238 
Knowles,  James  Sheridan,  202 


Lane,  Denny,  74,  1 08,  220 
Lecky,  W.  E.  H.,  10,  14,  18, 
28,  30,  38,  84,  90,  146,  148, 
154,  164,  180,  194,  200,  204, 
214,  226,  228,  264 
“ Living  Lives,”  1 72 
Lomasney,  William  Francis,  80 
Lover,  Samuel,  142 
Lynch,  Hannah,  182 
Lysaught,  Edward,  140 


Index. 


281 


MacCarthy,  Denis  Florence,  2, 
8,  14,  16,  22,  30,  36,  48,  <;o, 
54,  56,  58,  62,  66,  80,  84,  88, 
94,  98,  100,  102,  104,  106, 
108,  1 12,  1 14,  1 18,  132,  136, 
144,  146,  158,  164,  166,  172, 
176,  178,  182,  188,  198,  200, 
204,  206,  216,  226,  240,  268 
McCarthy,  Justin,  156,  158,  168, 
246,  248,  262 

McCarthy,  Justin  H-,  80,  82 
MacDaire,  Teige,  238 
MacDonnell,  John,  226 
McFadden,  Rev.  James,  146 
McHale,  Archbishop,  224 
MacNevin,  Thomas,  34 
Madden,  Daniel  Owen,  158 
Mahony,  Rev.  Francis,  68 
Malone,  Carroll,  90 
Mangan,  James  Clarence,  10, 
96,  1 18,  124,  132,  148,  210, 
212,  230,  246,  256 
Mathew,  Rev.  Theobald,  204 
Meagher,  Thomas  Francis,  20, 
170,  266 

Mitchel,  John,  4,  12,  20,  26,  32, 
50,  64,  84 

Molyneux,  William,  192 
Moore,  Thomas,  6,  12,  20,  34, 
50,  52,  58,  62,  66,  74,  76,  78, 
84,  88,  94,  96,  100,  102,  106, 
108,  no,  1 12,  1 18,  120,  128, 
130,  132,  136,  140,  142,  146, 
152,  164,  166,  172,  178,  180, 
190,  204,  212,  216,  220,  242, 
2<;o,  252,  256,  258,  260,  266, 
268,  270,  276 
Mulholland,  Rosa,  222 
Murray,  John  F.,64, 152, 218,  256 

“National  Newspaper,”  54 
“Nation,  The,’*  Newspaper, 
188,  230 


“Nation,  The  Spirit  of  the” 
(Duffy,  Publishers),  10,  12, 
52,  54,  80,  84,  86,  94,  98, 
106,  1 1 8,  134 

“ Newspaper,  The  Irishman,” 

112 

Nolan,  Rev.  J.  E.,  258 
“Non  Omnis  Moriar,”  214 
Norton,  Hon.  Caroline,  244 
Nulty,  Most  Rev.  Dr.,  40 

O’Brien,  Charlotte  G , 168,  196, 
200,  222,  242 
O’Brien,  Michael,  88 
O’Brien,  William,  274 
O’Carolan,  Turlough,  246 
O’Carroll,  Joseph  F.,  48,  220 
O’Connell,  Daniel,  16,  56,  68, 
166,  170,  184 
O’Connor,  Arthur,  48 
O’Connor,  T.  P.,  38,  44 
O’Connor,  Ven.  Charles,  250 
O’ Curry,  Eugene,  54 
O’Donnell,  John  Francis,  178 
O'Donovan,  Dr.,  210 
O'Halloran,  Bridget,  2 
O’Halloran  (historian),  62 
O’Hara,  C.  M.,  202 
O’Neachtan,  John,  166 
Oriel,  John  Baron,  206 
Orr,  James,  1 54 

O’Shaughanessy,  Arthur,  210, 
262 

Patrick,  Saint,  58 
Parnell,  Charles  Stewart,  12, 
40,  44,  50,  56,  196 
Parnell,  Anna,  222 
Parnell,  Fanny,  96,  130,  150, 
262 

Parnell,  Henry,  28 
Parnell,  Thomas,  170,  200 
Phillips,  Charles,  50 


u 


282 


Index, 


Plunkett,  Oliver,  80 
Power,  Richard,  192 
Prendergast,  John  Patrick,  240 

Read,  Charles  A.,  266 
Redmond,  John  E. , 188 
Redmond,  W.  H.  K.,  240 
Reeves,  Rev.  William,  226 
Russell,  Charles,  274 

Sarsfield,  Patrick,  180 
Serrano,  M.  J.,  28,  120,  122, 
130,  170 

Sexton,  Thomas,  26,  30,  240 
Sheehy,  Rev.  M.,  42 
Sheridan,  Richard  Brinsley,  4, 
8,  44,  142,  152,  192,  206,  256 
“ Sliabh  Cuilian,”  96 
Song,  County  of  Clare  Peasant, 

38 

“S.  M.  S.”  in  “The  Irish 
Monthly  Magazine,”  158 
Steele,  Sir  Richard,  234 
Stevenson,  Rev.  W.  F.,  270 
Stokes,  Margaret,  210 
Studdert,  J.  W.,  224,  260 
Sullivan,  A.  M.,  12,  28,  32,  36, 
54,  76,  82,  88,  90,  154,  156, 
158,  166,  172,  190,  212,  252, 
276 

Sullivan,  Donal,  200 
Sullivan,  T.  D.,  12,  30,  42,  60, 
62,  64,  78,  96,  102,  106,  no, 
112,  120,  126,  130,  150,  156, 
160,  174,  180,  192,  196,  206, 
214,  216,  242 

Swift,  Dean,  58,  76,  100,  172, 

234 

“ Speeches  from  the  Dock,”  10, 
20,  148 

Thompson,  Maurice,  “Novem- 
ber ” 


Thompson,  William,  104 
Tighe,  Mrs.,  272 
“Tiny,”  134 
Tirconnell,  Prince  of,  212 
Todd,  James  Henthorne,  212 
Tone,  Theobald  Wolfe,  198, 
21^  236 

Trench,  Archbishop,  244 
Trevor,  Ross  E ,*142 
Twamley,  William,  “August” 
Tynan,  Katharine,  166 
Tyndall,  John,  164,  202,  244 


Ussher,  Archbishop,  226 


Vere,  Aubrey  de,  10,  26,  42, 
72,  76,  88,  94,  104,  106,  108, 
1 18,  126,  154,  168,  182,  190, 
222,  236,  248,  266,  274 


Walsh,  Edward,  no,  126,  136, 
226 

Waterford,  “ G.  M.”  of,  98 
Webb,  Alfred,  144 
Whiteside,  James,  238 
Wilde,  Lady,  118,  140,  148, 
150,  176,  190,  192,  194,  196, 
206,  210,  220,  228,  236,  242, 
244,  250,  258,  262,  274 
Wilde,  Oscar,  218,  238 
Wilkins,  William,  108,  120,  124, 
126,  132,  136,  152,  156,  158, 
190,  202,  212,  214,  218,  220, 
246,  252,  270 

Williams,  R.  D.,  132,  194,  228, 
234,  260 
Wills,  James,  62 
Wilson,  John  Crawford,  152 


“ Zozimus,”  146,  250 


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